Brain tumour battle after Mary lost dad to Covid
THE family of a man who died of Covid is hoping for a “miracle” after his daughter was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain tumour.
Mary Hassey, 37, of Runcorn, lost her dad Fran O’Dwyer, 63, in early 2020 in the first wave of the pandemic.
Graphic designer Mary, husband Matty Hassey and eightyear-old son Tommy’s world was rocked again in January this year when Mary suddenly fell ill, resulting in the discovery of a large brain tumour.
A surgeon at The Walton Centre was unable to remove it completely, and further painful news came as a biopsy revealed she had a grade four glioblastoma – an aggressive type of cancer.
Friends said Mary is known for her “contagious smile and laugh, her positivity and her absolute zest for life” as well as adoring her family, while husband Matty said she was a “ray of sunshine” and the “most amazing person I’ve met”.
Relatives and wellwishers are determined to help Mary and her family.
Her friends Laura McGarry, Samy Phillipson and Stephanie Harris have set up a Snowdon mountain climb fundraiser, to take place on May 1, in the hope of being able to fund more treatment or to help the Hasseys in other ways.
Launched on Saturday, by
Monday afternoon the gofundme appeal had attracted more than £5,000 in donations and a long list of comments wishing the family well.
Writing online, Laura, Samy and Stephanie said: “Mary is best known for her contagious smile and laugh, her positivity and her absolute zest for life.
“Mostly, she is known for the love for her family but especially her boys Matty and Tommy.
“Please help us, help us to help this kind, witty, loyal, wonderfully fierce woman.
“We are desperate to support this family in any way possible – whether this be for funding further treatment or to help this family in any way possible.
“She is so loved by so many, and she absolutely will fight this.”
Writing on social media, Mary’s husband Matty said: “The support around us has been phenomenal since day one, and we have far too many people to thank, but you know who you all are.
“There is a lot of bad things in the world, but the love from our family, friends and work colleagues is stronger than anything we’ve witnessed.
“Mary will be another miracle story, she’s the most amazing person I’ve met, and she is a ray of sunshine – with a heart of gold. She will fight with everything she has for all of us.”
He continued: “Me and Tommy have her back every minute of every day.
“The best thing that’s come out of this beautiful gesture is the amazing stories I’m receiving of people living long and happy lives/new treatments/ therapies, and nutritional diets; which will help her get through this.
“The funds will help us
● Mary Hassey with her dad Fran O’Dwyer and (inset) with Matty explore all of the above so we make the right choice for her.
“Providing Mary is fit and well in May, I will climb Snowdon on behalf of the both of us.”
Mary’s father Fran was a country singer and musician who lived in Runcorn but hailed from County Down in Northern Ireland.
Visit gofundme and search for “Support for the lovely Mary, Matty & Tommy Hassey” to support the appeal.