MUM, 33, LOSES CANCER BATTLE
A YOUNG mother of two who has fought cancer since she was a teenager has died. Nicola White, 33, died surrounded by her family on Friday – just over a year after a major fundraising campaign was launched in an attempt to save her life.
Ms White, from Llanelli, was first diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 16.
She underwent numerous different treatments and in 2011 she developed septicaemia which necessitated an above-the-knee amputation.
But the cancer later returned, this time in her lung, and she was initially told it was inoperable.
Friends and family started the Save Nicola campaign and more than £100,000 was raised in a bid to fund pioneering proton beam therapy treatment not available on the NHS.
Those behind the campaign then managed to find a Harley Street doctor who said he could, in fact, operate on the tumour.
However, at the end of last year, when preparations were being made for Ms White to have surgery on her lung in London, a scan revealed the cancer had spread to her liver.
Soon after this she was moved to the Ty Bryngwyn Hospice in Llalanelli where she died.
“It’s tragedy upon tragedy,” said family friend Gary Griffiths, who grew up next door to Ms White and knew her all her life.
“We’re totally crushed. We tried so hard to help her but in the end we just ran out of time.
“I want to say a special thank you to the people of Llanelli and beyond who have helped us so much in our bid to help Nicola. The whole town of Llanelli came out to help – it was extraordinary.
“I’d also like to thank the Ty Bryngwyn Hospice for everything they’ve done over the past few weeks.”
A post on the group’s Facebook page said: “We are devastated, numb and heartbroken our brave friend has left us so o soon.
“Our hearts go out to Nicola’s s family, her husband Alex, her r children Owen and Ava, her mum m Diane and her brother Andrew.
“Nicola’s life itself was a miracle, given her unrelenting battle with rare bone cancer from the age of 16.
“To have realised her dreams of marrying and having a family is testament to her incredible bravery, willpower and sheer strength to carry on and live through everything that life threw at her.
“We hope to learn from unbelievable strength.
“Nicola, you now reside with the angels, with Jean & Bill at your side, where pain can no longer hinder that yo you and where you can sm smile down on your beautifu ful family. “We love you with all our h hearts, our beautiful friend. R Rest in peace. X” In an interview last year, a after the Save Nicola campaign was launched and raised more than £17,000 in i its first 17 days, Ms White s said it was “really overwhelming how much everyone is willing to help”. She added: “So many p people have contacted us to say they have been really touched by my story. “All I want to is be there for my kids and see them grow up.” Ms White’s bravery was recognised last year when she was awarded the Editor’s Choice award at the Llanelli Star Community Awards.
To have realised her dreams of marrying and having a family is testament to her incredible bravery, willpower and sheer strength to carry on and live through ev everything that lif life threw at her