Bangor Mail

Mum who ‘helped others to achieve their dreams’ dies two weeks after cancer diagnosis

- Kelly Williams

TRIBUTES have been paid to a “vivacious and beautiful” mum who died two weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Caroline Sampson – a muchloved diving instructor and Slimming World consultant – “dedicated her heart and soul to helping others achieve their dreams”.

Her devastated husband, Martin and their children, Daniel and Emma said the 51-year-old from Holyhead had “a smile that could melt the coldest of hearts.”

Breaking the tragic news of her death on social media, Martin, who ran Anglesey Divers with his late wife, wrote: “I am heartbroke­n to announce that my wife, soul mate, business partner and mother of my wonderful children, Daniel and Emma, has passed away.

“She became unwell a few weeks ago and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just over two weeks ago.

“The disease was devastatin­g in its progress and she finally lost her fight on June 8.

“She died peacefully and was cared for and comforted by her family and the amazing staff on Ffrancon Ward and Tryfan Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

“As a diving instructor, expedition leader, Slimming World consultant and recently-promoted team developer, her life

was characteri­sed by encouragin­g and enabling people to do the things they wouldn’t otherwise believe that they could do.”

He added: “Her fundamenta­l role was helping regain self-esteem.”

He added: “Vivacious, beautiful, witty and with a smile that could melt the coldest of hearts, how could I have been people anything but hopelessly in love with her?

“Myself, Daniel and Emma have been overwhelme­d by the kindness of our friends, neighbours, doctors, nurses and my second family – Holyhead Lifeboat crew.

“We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love and support.

“Nos da cariad xxx.” Caroline, who was an advanced instructor with the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC), fell ill last month and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just days after celebratin­g her 51st birthday.

Rosemary Lunn from The Underwater Marketing Company has known the family for more than 15 years and described Martin and Caroline as “a rare couple” who made “a powerful team”.

She said: “Martin and Caroline were a rare couple in that they were business partners, married, and still very much in love 34 years later.

“They had a unique and special relationsh­ip, and subsequent­ly had two, smart, funny, compassion­ate, gentle children. Qualities that echo their parents.

“Together, they put North Wales diving on the map.

“Caroline was a stalwart – a kind, lovely, thoughtful and intelligen­t woman who was amazing at looking after and training divers and keeping them safe.

“We are like a second family because we are a small, tight community who take people on life-changing experience­s and develop strong friendship­s.

“Everyone in the UK-recognised diving industry is completely shattered and in shock by the news of Caroline’s death.

“Sadly the saying is true that only the good die young.”

News of Caroline’s death prompted an outpouring of grief within the local community.

One colleague said: “It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside such a caring, thoughtful and funny lady who wore her heart on her sleeve and would always be there for anyone no matter what.

“She has many lives, people and lovely lady.

“May your family and friends be sent all the strength in the world to get through this.”

Another friend added: “Caroline was a beautiful woman.

“Her heart and soul was focused on others achieving their dreams.

“She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.” touched sooooo helped so many is just a genuine

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