Tributes pour in after ‘Cancer Warrior’ Melanie Kennedy ‘gets her angel wings’ - ‘her legacy will live on’

The 43-year-old north Down woman and mother-of-two had inspired thousands with her positive messages about cancer on her Facebook page ‘Melanie Kennedy Cancer Warrior’.

The single mother had tirelessly campaigned for improved drug access for cancer patients here.

News of her passing was announced this morning by her mother, Christine Kennedy.

‘Melanie’s Mum here, it is with much heartbreak that I need to let her friends know, our precious wee warrior passed away peacefully at 2 o’clock this morning.

‘Heaven has gained an angel and we are bereft. Christine Kennedy’

A post on N.I. Cancer Advocacy Movement said: “It is with immeasurable grief we confirm that our beloved founder Melanie has passed away after her long battle”.

Melanie, from Bangor, initially began campaigning for access to lifesaving treatment when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014.

At that stage she was told she had five years to live.

Melanie was diagnosed six months after her second son was born.

The disease had developed during her pregnancy but was not detected straight away.

She had a mastectomy as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy and was initially optimistic about her prospect.

In 2017 Melanie, who battled breast cancer, launched a crowdfunding appeal for a life-prolonging drug that could give her more time with her young sons - that was not available on the NHS.

At that time the drug was available on the NHS in Scotland - but was only offered privately here at a cost of around £20,000.

After the launch of the appeal, Melanie said: “I feel like I am having to beg for my life - and it’s not a nice thing.”

Though somewhat reluctant, Melanie agreed to crowdfunding after her friend Leesa Harker, the creator of stage and book sensation Fifty Shades of Red, White and Blue, set up a page.

In only 48 hours, Melanie had raised £20,000.

“This drug, Kadcyla, is the best option for me and always has been,” she said.

In April 2018 she was told that she was free of cancer.

However, the cancer came back.

Also on Facebook, Paula Bradshaw MLA, posted: “So saddened to hear of the passing of Melanie Kennedy “Cancer Warrior”. She was such a formidable person & the best craic!

“Pic is from a mtg w fmr Health Minister when we knew that the campaign for parity in accessing cancer drugs here was over the line. Her legacy will live on”.

The National Autistic Society Newtownards Branch also paid tribute.

The organisation posted on social media: “Everyone at Nas Newtownards are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our amazing Autism mums Melanie Kennedy.

“She was a true warrior fighting for support for our children, always happy to lend a hand at any of our events and campaigning for and helping many people.

“She will be greatly missed by us all. Her two beautiful boys and her entire family circle are in our thought always.”

Other tributes on the page include: “Can’t believe this. Mel was an inspiration to many and it was a privilege to have met her and piped for her at her balls❤️ thoughts with your entire family circle”.

“I’m so sorry to hear this. Melanie was an amazing girl. So caring and positive. Her resilience and strength to help others was never ending . She was a true warrior. Sending my deepest sympathy to her close family.. RIP Mel. Much love at this Very sad time ♥️ xx”.

READ - Terminally ill mother achieves Crowdfunding treatment target in 48 hours_Health service ‘taking sticking plaster approach to cancer treatment’

Crowdfunding appeal for terminally ill mother raises £18,000 in hours

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