Leanne, 21, loses battle with cancer
Family’s dream of final holiday shattered
A YOUNG woman lost her cancer battle just two days after a charity night was held to send her on a dream holiday.
Leanne Hawkins, 21, of Blantyre, Lanarkshire, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of stomach cancer three weeks ago.
Friends and family rallied round to make her final dream come true – a trip to Disneyland Paris with her loved ones.
They quickly raised nearly £10,000 and a race night at Blantyre Miners’ Welfare club on Friday night raised more money for the holiday fund.
Sadly, Leanne died in the early hours of Sunday.
In a tribute to her “best friend”, her heartbroken sister Laura-Jane said: “Our hero Leanne Hawkins grew her angel wings and flew to heaven. She is in no more pain and we couldn’t be more proud of her.
“Leanne, you will always be in my heart and with me every step of the way.”
The University of the West of Scotland criminal justice graduate, who worked at Equi’s Ice Cream in Hamilton, had first complained of stomach pains in February.
But it was only last month that Leanne was given a diagnosis of incurable cancer.
The family planned on travelling to Paris next month, once she had had three chemotherapy sessions to try to contain the tumour.
Last Wednesday, Leanne’s mum Helen-Ann had posted on Facebook: “Best birthday present ever. Leanne is starting her chemo tomorrow.”
Last week, Leanne thanked everyone who had contributed to her fund, saying: “Everyone has been so generous. The amount of support I have received has been incredible and I just don’t think the news has fully hit me yet.”
Hundreds of people have posted online tributes to Leanne.
Katelyn McNab said: “All our hearts are torn. Heaven has gained another angel, an angel so kind, beautiful, smart and brave.”
Charlaye Blair added: “A beautiful soul has been taken far too early.”
Leanne’s friends are going ahead with a planned 12-mile “princess walk” in her honour on November 18. Any funds raised will go to her family, to use as they wish.