Family to say their last goodbyes to Gemma
A terminally-ill Paisley mum who died of a rare form of cancer just weeks before her wedding will be laid to rest today.
Gemma Mcgowan, 29, sadly passed away on May 26 after months of bravely fighting squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity - a very rare cancer which only three people in the world have been diagnosed with.
Family and friends of the beloved mum- of- one will gather in Paisley today to say their final farewell, tragically just one day before her dream wedding to her partner Steven Murie was set to take place.
Steven, who shares ninemonth- old Arran with Gemma, previously paid an emotional tribute to his “soulmate”.
Posting on social media, he said: “She fought this horrible disease right to the end.
“She would always crack a smile and make light of the situation but that was just
Gemma.
“She was the most kindhearted person you could ever meet, she was the life and soul of every party.
“Words will never be enough to explain how much you will be missed ma dear.
“I will miss you so much, you will never be forgotten
“Arran will always know who his mum was.”
Gemma, from Hunterhill, spent months undergoing gr uelling treatment s, including radiotherapy, immunotherapy and lifechanging surgery in which surgeons had to remove her eye to try and fight her diagnosis.
She even underwent gruelling chemotherapy while pregnant with Arran.
People who were touched by Gemma’s story raised almost £16,000 for her and her family to help her make as many memories as possible with the time she had left.
Renfrew-based Wedding Wishmakers stepped in to help the couple plan the day of their dreams, raising almost £ 5,000 - with many others coming forward to offer their services to make the day a reality for them.
The couple had hoped to wed in 2023, but decided to get married as soon as possible following Gemma’s diagnosis.
Wedding Wishmakers decided to use the money raised to help Gemma’s family pay for her funeral.
The funeral procession will pass a number of places close to the hearts of Gemma and her family tomorrow afternoon, including Vets4Pets on Glasgow Road where Gemma worked as a veterinary care assistant.
Those wishing to pay their respects are being asked to line the streets at various points from 1pm, including Barrhead Road, Hawkhead Road, Gallowhill Road, Neitherhill Raod, Marjory Drive and Glasgow Road.
People can still donate to the Gofundme page, which is raising money for Steven and Arran, at https://gofund. me/cf62f63c