Mum, 37, whose cancer treatment was funded by community dies
A WOMAN whose community raised funds for a cancer drug which she was denied by the NHS on the grounds of cost has died.
Kelly Maybury, 37, lost her battle on Friday, leaving family and friends “heartbroken and devastated”.
“We really thought that miracle would happen,” said friend Julia Walters, who headed up the Kelly’s Wish fundraising campaign.
“She fought so hard and was determined not to give up, with everybody by her side, she showed us what a wonderful, inspirational young lady she was. We are all lost for words at the moment, so please hold Kelly in your hearts and think of her family.”
Kelly’s Wish had raised £58,000 in just two months by selling green bows which adorned almost every car and house around Kelly’s home in Maesteg and throughout the Llynfi Valley.
They also made and sold charm bracelets in the same colour, pins, hair bobbles and luxury green bows which come with pearls or diamantes, as well as organising fundraising events.
The colour green stands for cervical cancer awareness as Kelly was originally diagnosed with the disease in 2013.
The fundraising allowed Kelly, who was married to Mark and mum to Carys and Daniel, to start a course of Bevacizumab, sometimes known as Avastin, in August.
She had been refused the drug, designed to starve tumours of blood and oxygen, on the grounds of cost despite the cancer spreading throughout her body.
Her friends and the wider community were appalled at the health board’s decision so they decided to fund it themselves. Ahead of her first dose in August, Kelly thanked everyone who had contributed “from the bottom of my heart”.
Since news broke of Kelly’s death dozens of heartfelt tributes have been posted to the Kelly’s Wish Facebook page.
Kathryn Warren posted: “I never met Kelly but it was clear from the green bows across the Valley that she inspired so many, and touched so many lives, myself included. My thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Suey Bowie said: “Maesteg is truly a sadder place today.”
Margaret Smith said Kelly “will be missed by all of Maesteg”.
And Kym Williams praised the way Kelly had brought “a broken community together”.
She wrote: “Wow, through the absolute devastating news of your horrible illness you brought a broken community together. You did something amazing. You were in life and after a true angel.
“Now that you’ve gained your wings way too soon, you will again bring the community together again. You are loved and will be deeply missed. Sleep tight beautiful. See you when I get there.”
Dozens of people have also been posting pictures of green hearts and bows on social media in Kelly’s honour.