HERO MUM WHO GAVE HER LIFE TO SAVE BABY
Brave Gemma dies aged 29
A CANCER-stricken mum who turned down chemotherapy to save her unborn baby’s life has died, aged 29.
Gemma Nuttall lost her five-year battle with ovarian cancer at a hospice on Sunday.
Actress Kate Winslet had stepped in to help the mumof-one raise the funds she needed for immunotherapy and initially the treatment had been a success.
But the cancer returned and the dental nurse, from Rossendale, Lancs, who leaves behind four-year-old daughter Penelope, was this month moved to Pendleside Hospice in Burnley.
Winslet, whose mum was going through cancer treatment at the same time, said it was “tragically sad” and sent her love to Gemma’s family.
She said: “My heart breaks.”
Gemma’s mother, Helen Sproates, confirmed the death on Facebook. She said: “It is with an utterly broken heart I have to tell you all my beautiful warrior lost her battle early this morning.”
Gemma first learned DAILY STAR, Wednesday, October 17, 2018 she had aggressive ovarian cancer at her 16week scan and was offered a termination so she could start life-saving treatment. But she chose to wait until after the birth when doctors removed her tumour. Helen read about immunotherapy, which boosts the body’s natural defences.
She flew to Germany and began course, which costs £70,000 a time, but only had funds for the first round.
Winslet and her Titanic co-star Leonardo Di Caprio then auctioned themselves off for three dates and raised nearly £1million.