OUR HEARTS ARE BROKEN AT LOSING A HERO
Family pledge to raise cash for hospice in brave Laura’s memory
A “beautiful and strong” East Kilbride woman will be remembered for her heroism after losing a second battle with breast cancer.
Laura Cunningham passed away in her sleep at Kilbryde Hospice on Saturday.
The 32-year-old Celtic superfan, from St Leonards, touched the hearts of many as she documented her brave year-long fight on social media while raising vital funds for the end-oflife care centre.
Describing her strength as “nothing short of breathtaking”, Laura’s heartbroken family now plan to honour her kind nature by fundraising for crisis-hit Kilbryde Hospice in her memory.
They said: “As a family we are heartbroken at the loss of such a hero. But we are honoured to call her ours and so very proud of everything she did, the people she inspired throughout her journey.
“Not only was Laura strong, loving and caring but she had a crazy, loud, fun-loving energy that filled any room she entered.”
Yesterday Celtic captain Scott Brown, who met Laura last year, sent his own words of support. He said: “My sincere condolences to all of you.
“Laura will be looking down on all of her friends and family.”
Tributes have poured in for a young East Kilbride woman who lost an “heroic” battle with breast cancer.
Laura Cunningham, 32, from St Leonards, passed away in her sleep on Saturday after a second long and harrowing fight with triple negative breast cancer.
The Celtic superfan, who bravely documented her health battle on social media, spent her final days in Kilbryde Hospice.
Her heartbroken parents Sadie and John Doogan, relatives and friends hailed her inspiring strength in fighting the disease as “nothing short of breathtaking”.
The family now plan to set up a fundraising page in her name to help raise vital cash for the “fantastic team” at the Kilbryde Hospice – a cause so close to Laura’s heart.
Paying tribute online, her cousins wrote: “Our beautiful Laura slipped away peacefully in her sleep on June 6, 2020 after an incredibly tough and heroic battle with breast cancer.
“The strength shown by Laura was nothing short of breathtaking. As a family we are heart-broken at the loss of such a hero.
“But we are honoured to call her ours and so very proud of everything she has done, the people she inspired throughout her journey.
“Laura wasn’t just our cousin. She was our sister, best friend and the most amazing role model to three very special girls who will always carry her in their hearts.
“Not only was Laura strong, loving and caring, but she had a crazy, loud, fun-loving energy that filled any room she entered. As heartbroken as we all are that we’ve lost her, Laura would want us to cherish our memories and celebrate the good times – with a Jamesons of course!
“Laura you’ll hold a piece of our hearts until we meet again. In the meantime I know where I’ll find you in spirit – Celtic Park.”
Laura was first diagnosed in 2016 and went into remission.
But the cancer returned last summer. The local optician gained a large following of supporters, dubbed ‘Wonder Woman’s Army’ through her honest posts on social media.
And, despite her illness, she still found the time to raise funds for the Kilbryde Hospice – where she spent her 32nd birthday.
Earlier this year she raised over £600 for the charity, telling her followers that she was “lucky” to be in the care of its “outstanding” medical team.
As a thank you, Kilbryde arranged for a calf to visit animal lover Laura at the end of life care centre in her final weeks – a “magical” moment her family said meant so much to her.
A massive Hoops supporter, Laura was also thrilled to be treated to a meet and greet with her idols at Parkhead last year.
Celtic captain Scott Brown sent his own words of support to Laura’s heartbroken friends and family.
The 34-year-old Hoops skipper lost his younger sister Fiona to skin cancer in 2008.
He said: “My sincere condolences to all of you.
“Laura will be looking down on all of her friends and family.”
Celtic fans have joined friends and family in paying tribute to an
“amazing woman”. The former Claremont High pupil will fondly be remembered as a “true role model” who was the “life and soul of the party”.
Sandra McGhee said: “So heartbroken to read this but she is now flying high and no more suffering.
“She was a beautiful brave girl who will never be forgotten. Fly high Laura.”
Linsey Sutherland said: “Absolutely heartbreaking. Laura dealt with her battle with more dignity and grace than anyone could fathom.
“She is a true role model to everyone lucky enough to know her and her memory will outlive us all.
“My love and thoughts are with her family and friends. Rest in peace sweet girl.”
Colleen MacAulay added: “Really sorry to hear this heartbreaking news of Laura passing.
“She was such a strong, beautiful person, and so brave and amazing with how she dealt with everything!”
Hayley Beattie added: “Laura was the most incredible person, I will never forget that amazing laugh.”