Netflix TV actress loses fight with cancer
WOMAN RAISED £7,000 FOR HER OWN FUNERAL
NETFLIX actress Shirley Hellyar has died just weeks after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis on a birthday visit to Newcastle.
Shirley, who studied for a PGCE at Northumbria University, raised more than £7,000 for her own funeral after receiving the devastating diagnosis.
The 40-year-old from Glasgow was too unwell to return home, and remained in the North East to receive palliative hospice care.
And an emotional message posted on the actress’s GoFundMe page confirmed Shirley passed away in her sleep on Wednesday, the Mirror reports.
The post read: “This is a very sad message to let everyone know that Shirley unfortunately passed away in her sleep on Wednesday 7th November.
“Shirley was very grateful for everyone’s help and donations which made her last few weeks so much better.
“She said that all the help she has received restored her faith in human kindness. Thank you all once again.”
Glasgow actress Shirley had spent months fighting lymphoblastic lymphoma, and in September was told by medics the tumour had shrunk significantly.
But five weeks after receiving the all-clear, she was told by consultants in Newcastle she had weeks to live.
Shirley - who was cast as a villager in Netflix film Outlaw King starring Hollywood actor Chris Pine - created the GoFundMe page on October 17.
She wrote: “I am in complete shock and I am really scared. I am looking for help and support with costs of care, transport, petrol, hotels and emotional support at this tough time as well as psychological support.
“My parents have already lost my brother in the past, no parent should have to have funerals for all their children.
“Can you please help me have last moments with people who love and care about me?”
More than 300 people donated to her page in a matter of weeks, raising £7,121 to date. Donors also posted condolence messages following news of her passing. One wrote: “So sorry to hear this very sad news. RIP Shirley.”
Another posted: “To Shirley’s family: I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl.”
To donate or read more about Shirley’s story, visit her GoFundMe page.