A television and film industry professional is battling a disease for the second time that could have been prevented a decade ago, after medics incorrectly informed her that an abnormal test showed no concerns. Aimi Hopkins, 54, is now fighting invasive cancer following the discovery of a lime-sized tumour that went unnoticed despite her participation in cervical screening.

The TV wardrobe supervisor, whose credits include HBO's House of the Dragon, Netflix's The Witcher and teen drama Hafiach, was forced to step away from working on Sam Mendes' Beatles movie/biopic after receiving her diagnosis. NHS hospital bosses have now acknowledged failures in her treatment and Aimi is set to receive compensation after launching legal proceedings against the health service.

Aimi had attended a smear test appointment which she was informed came back negative, when the results actually revealed borderline cell changes. This error, dating back to 2015, resulted in her not being sent to specialists for examinations and potential treatment to eliminate pre-cancerous cells.

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Aimi subsequently experienced symptoms such as bleeding, abdominal pain and exhaustion, leading to a referral following three additional smear tests. She later received a positive result for human papillomavirus (HPV) – the virus that can cause cancer – and was sent to gynaecological specialists.

Medical examinations revealed a tumour measuring 5.2cm x 5.9cm x 3cm, which was identified as stage three cervical cancer in September 2023. Aimi, who has contributed to numerous film and television productions over the past 34 years, received chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, followed by brachytherapy, a procedure that delivers radiation directly adjacent to the tumour.

However, despite undergoing treatment, Aimi received heartbreaking news just days before Christmas that the cancer had recurred and metastasised to her bones.

Aimi, from Caernarfon, Wales, said: "It's almost impossible to find the words to describe what the last few years have been like. I've always been keen to ensure I attended regular smear tests.

"These had previously always been normal so I had no reason to dispute the findings of my 2015 test. When I started experiencing symptoms, deep down I knew it was serious, but nothing still prepared me for the news that I had invasive cancer and the tumour was about the size of a lime.

"The treatment, particularly while trying to come to terms with my diagnosis was difficult, not just physically but emotionally. To then be told that my cancer had returned and has spread was absolutely devastating.

"While I'm determined to try and beat cancer again it's difficult to accept the position I find myself in. While my friends and family have been amazing, I feel like my quality of life has deteriorated over the last few years.

"If I'd have been told in 2015 that my smear result was borderline and I should have pre-cancerous cells removed, I absolutely would have gone ahead with the procedure. I just hope that by speaking out, I can raise awareness of the issues I've faced to improve care for others. It's also important women feel they don't have to go through cervical cancer alone as help and support is available."

Public Health Wales NHS Trust, responsible for analysing her smear test, has acknowledged a breach of duty after incorrectly recording Aimi's smear as normal. The Trust accepted that this failure resulted in Aimi not being referred for additional tests and treatment which, on the balance of probabilities, would have stopped the development of invasive cervical cancer.

Shahin Master, the medical negligence solicitor at Irwin Mitchell representing Aimi, said: "The last few years and coming to terms with her diagnosis and its impact has been incredibly distressing for Aimi. Understandably, she has had many questions about whether more could have been done to prevent her cancer developing, particularly as Aimi regularly attended routine appointments for smear tests.

"Despite treatment, Aimi's cancer has sadly returned, leaving her facing further treatment and uncertainty. While nothing can make up for what she's been through and continues to face, we're pleased to have at least provided Aimi with the answers she deserves. Our focus is now on working towards a settlement, ensuring Aimi can access the follow-up treatment and support she requires."

A spokesperson for Public Health Wales said: "Public Health Wales takes cervical screening very seriously. We continually review our cervical screening programme to ensure it is safe and effective.

"We are a learning organisation committed to openness, transparency, and we use learning from reviews to continually improve the care we provide. Our heartfelt sympathies are with the patient and her loved ones at this extremely difficult time. We are unable to comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing."