Friends rally for family
Fundraiser after‘warrior’ mum passes away
A fundraiser has been launched to raise money for the daughter of a young mum who died from bowel cancer.
Carol Haley passed away on April 9, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter Kady and partner Anton.
The 33-year-old from Castlemilk was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer in July 2019 and was given a 30 per cent chance of survival by doctors.
In her final months, as well as undergoing chemotherapy, Carol dedicated her time to making memories with her family and “always had a smile on her face”.
Donna Richford has launched a fundraiser to help pay for Carol’s funeral and help Kady as she grows up without her mum.
Generous wellwishers have donated more than £1000 in just two days.
Donna said: “Carol fought so hard and will always be a warrior for how hard she fought for her wee girl Kady and her family. She was definitely one in a million and touched so many people’s hearts. To know her was to love her.”
Family friend Claire Richford described Carol as “the happiest, loudest person in the room”.
She said: “She had nicknames for everybody like ‘heck, main-stain, babbles’ and was always a pleasure to be around.
“She had a long, brave fight after her diagnosis with medication and chemotherapy, but she was still taking her daughter on days out to create memories.
“She never ever gave up and always had a smile on her beautiful face.”
Carol worked in various support and carer roles throughout her life and during her illness, including at Ardencraig Care Home.
After going to the doctors with pains for three weeks, she was eventually rushed to hospital where an emergency operation revealed the devastating news that she had terminal bowel cancer.
More than 2500 younger people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK every year and Carol’s family are keen to raise awareness the disease doesn’t exclusively impact older people.
Bowel cancer is very treatable but the earlier it’s diagnosed, the easier it is to treat, according to Bowel Cancer UK.
People whose cancer is diagnosed at an early stage have a much higher chance of successful treatment than those whose cancer has become more widespread.
Symptoms of bowel cancer include bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo, a persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness for no obvious reason or a pain or lump in your tummy.
To donate to the fundraiser for Carol, visit: www. gofundme.com/f/carolhaley