Tributes pour in after brave nurse Laura loses her fight against cancer
Our front page back on March 24 and she managed to enjoy an active summer, even attending a pop concert with her daughter Molly earlier this month.
Just one week ago, Laura posted on Facebook with her customary optimism: “Hi everyone! Quick update. I’m in hospital fighting hard. I’m getting so many beautiful messages of hope.”
She was originally given three months to live when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2017.
She called herself “the Stage 4 cancer warrior”.
On learning of her temporary remission, she said in July: “The generosity of your readers is unbelievable. They are buying me life and giving me a chance. You can’t put a price tag on that.”
She added: “I am absolutely blown away by the kindness of strangers. These are people I have never met.
“This is the best side of the human spirit, helping your fellow man. It is not about how much people are giving but the fact that they are reaching out.”
Laura, mother to Molly, 14, Noah, 16, and step-mum to Zach, seven, had astounded colleagues when she returned to work caring for fellow cancer patients at North Devon District Hospital, in Barnstaple, last year.
She came to the UK 20 years ago from America before qualifying as an oncology nurse in 2006.
Hundreds of people, many of them Laura’s former patients, My soulmate... Laura with colleagues in May last year on the day of her wedding to Paul, right, and with son Noah and daughter Molly, above last night paid tribute strength and kindness.
Friend Heather Walters said: “I know your guardian angels are by your side. You have made such a difference to so many lives.”
Fiona Thomas said: “You created a community and brought the best out of people.”
Allison Falder added: “It was a massive privilege to know you and to have worked with you, a truly inspirational cancer nurse.”
Former patient Dawn Woodall to her said: “You took my hand and showed me around the chemotherapy unit.
“You shared my pain and put me at ease with what to expect and assured me you would be with me throughout my battle. And how you stood by your word.”
Laura made it clear that any money left over from her fund will go to local charities, including the North Devon Hospice.
Details of Laura’s funeral will be announced in due course.