Rugby-mad mum dies just months after marrying in favourite jersey

TRIBUTES have been paid to a lifelong Ospreys fan and an “amazing mum” who has died after a brave battle with cancer just months after marrying her long-term partner.

Michelle Davies, who was 50, died last week after being diagnosed with the disease 18 months ago.

Despite undergoing treatment and bravely battling the cancer – to the point where she only left her day job two months ago – she was given the devastating news recently that there was no more doctors could do.

Michelle, who worked in social services in Aberdare, was much-loved in her home community of Mountain Ash and was one of the best-known Ospreys fans anywhere in Wales, going to games up and down the country.

Her daughter Anna said her mother had a life-long love affair with rugby.

“Since as far back as I can remember, she was absolutely rugby-mad,” said Anna, the eldest of three children. “She was a huge fan of the Ospreys, and of course the Wales team, anything to do with rugby. One of her happiest days was when she was presented with a signed rugby ball by Ospreys player Scott Baldwin – she was totally made up.”

Michelle got married last summer to her long-term partner, Jason, in a ceremony that fitted their rugby-mad lifestyles. Michelle wore an Ospreys shirt, while Jason was decked out in the shirt of his favourite team, the Cardiff Blues.

The ceremony took place 19 years after the pair got engaged, and the decision to finally get married was made after the devastating diagnosis that Michelle had stage four cancer.

Speaking on her wedding day in June, Michelle said: “We were happy the way we were and I was worried it may change things.

“For years and years, my children have always wanted us to get married.

“But then I found out I had a longterm illness and I decided to make an honest man of him.”

Following her death, the Ospreys paid tribute to “one of our biggest supporters” and sent their condolences to Michelle’s family.

The Ospreys’ tribute to Michelle on social media said: “Everyone at the Ospreys is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of our biggest supporters, Michelle Davies. Our thoughts go out to all her friends and family at this difficult time.”

Anna said her mother underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy and fought her cancer bravely, right up until her death on February 13.

“She fought so hard but in the end the cancer worked so fast,” she said.

“The doctors told my mum that the treatment was no longer working in November, and then she had to give up work, even though she didn’t want to. But that’s the way she was. She wanted to help everyone and would do anything for anyone.”

She said there was a big part of their family missing now.

She added: “She was the glue that held everything together and she had a great positivity in everything she did. She was just an amazing mum and an amazing person.”

Michelle’s funeral will take place on Tuesday at Llwydcoed Crematorium in Aberdare.