Twin's heartbreak as sister's 'flu' turns out to be something far worse

Kym Snape, 34, said it has been "the hardest year" after her sister Emma Snape, also 34, was diagnosed with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma - a rare type of cancer

A twin has spoken of her heartbreak after her sister's 'flu' turned out to be a rare, terminal cancer.

Kym Snape was devastated when she found out that her "other half" Emma Snape, both 34, had been diagnosed with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE), an incurable disease. Emma first experienced flu-like symptoms in February, which were later diagnosed as severe pneumonia. However, further tests revealed the shocking truth - she had contracted EHE, a disease affecting only one in a million people worldwide each year.

Mum-of-two Kym, who is fundraising for a cure, spoke of the difficulty accepting her twin sister's prognosis due to their close bond. She said: "[It's been] heartbreaking to watch her go through this. It's technically a terminal diagnosis as there's no cure for it. It's been the hardest year. With her being my twin, it's been so hard for me not being able to control this situation and make her better as she is literally my other half."

Emma, also a mum of two, thanked Kym for her unwavering support during her time of need, calling her "the real superwoman". She added: "I don't know what I'd have done without Kym. From day one after getting my diagnosis she's been full into research, fundraising, gathering all sorts of different contacts to help me, whilst having her own young family to care for. She's the real superwoman. It's been so wonderfully overwhelming how generous and kind people have been, everyone just wants to help, my work, small businesses, family and friends. People really have come together for me."

Emma was diagnosed with EHE cancer, a rare condition that can occur anywhere in the body, with the liver, lungs, and bones being the most common sites. Typically, it affects people between 30 and 50 years old, but it can also occur in young children and older individuals.

Upon diagnosis, doctors discovered 20 nodules in Emma's lungs and additional ones in her omentum, the fatty tissue surrounding her stomach and intestines. Since then, she has undergone numerous hospital visits, bravely fighting the debilitating condition. Kym said: "Some days she is fine and others she will wake up in agony. She's on a lot of pain relief and anti-sickness drugs. She's fighting against this disease every day whilst remaining the world's best mummy to her two boys and partner."

Kym has established a donation page to support the EHE Rare Cancer Charity (EHERCC), which is dedicated to finding a cure. So far, she has raised over £6,000 from generous locals and plans to participate in a sponsored run in November to raise additional funds. Kym, from Leyland, Lancs, said: "I have taken control in the only way possible which is to learn about this disease and to raise money for critical research to take place in the hope of finding a cure."