‘Beautiful’ mother dies just three days after terminal brain tumour diagnosed

Three days later, the 48-year-old mental health nurse from Douglas died at Ninewells Hospital — having never regained consciousness after emergency surgery.

Today, her heartbroken family paid a poignant tribute to their “beautiful wee mum”.

Eldest son Scott, 25, said that his mother had been complaining about a sore head for some time.

He added: “Mum had complained about having a headache a few times recently but she took painkillers and carried on as normal.

“However, last Thursday she was feeling really ill so my sister Molly decided to take her to the doctor.

“They very quickly realised that something was far wrong and said mum had to go to Ninewells straight away.

“There she was diagnosed as having a brain tumour. She was taken into theatre on Friday for life or death surgery.

“Sadly, she never regained consciousness following the operation. Mum fought on but lost her battle on Sunday.”

Scott said that right up until the day she was admitted to hospital, Sheena was still looking after others.

He said: “She was still making sure that we were all fine and had our tea. That was so typical of her. She would do anything for anyone.”

Scott’s brother Matthew, 23, a mechanic, said: “My beautiful wee mum lost her fight against a sudden brain tumour.

“She was still out running having no idea that it was there and that shows the strength my mum had.

“My sister, brother and I had the honour of holding her hand all the way through it and delivered her to the other side where I know she’s up there still running.

“I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful person to be in my life — she really was the most amazing person I’ve ever known.

“She will be dearly missed by all. We will come back from this but it’s going to take a lot of time.”

Sheena’s sons explained that she had taken up running about 10 years ago.

Scott said: “She started running one day and never stopped.

“She had run thousands Sheena in action. of miles in marathons, including all over Europe, and was in training for her next marathon in Berlin right up until her death.

”The one good thing is that mum didn’t suffer for long and latterly she didn’t know what was happening to her.

“This has come as a huge shock to us and we are going to miss her incredibly.”

Scott said that after bringing up her three children, Sheena decided when she reached her thirties that she wanted to train as a nurse.

She went to Dundee University, graduating in 2012. She trained as a mental health nurse and specialised in caring for the elderly and those with dementia.

“Mum loved her job,” said Scott. “She said it could be very hard but also very satisfying and rewarding. Latterly she worked at the Kingsway Care Centre.

”She had also worked all over Angus as a mental health nurse. So many former colleagues have been in touch to pay their own tributes to her.

“She was very popular with everyone.”

Sheena’s funeral will be held at James Ashton funeral rooms in Lochee next Wednesday. The family are asking for donations for Wards 23b neurology and 4 intensive care. Ourvoice

JUST a day before she was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour, Sheena Macqueen was out training for her next marathon.

PAGE 16