THE heartbroken family of Rachael Thomson are remembering a 'brave, funny and strong-willed' woman who kept smiling until the very end.

Mum-of-two Rachael was facing cancer for the third time after first being diagnosed in December 2015 with ovarian cancer aged 40.

Rachael, from Padgate, decided to visit her GP with irregular bleeding after losing both her mum and grandma to the disease.

Following an abnormal test, she was sent for a scan which revealed a tumour in her ovaries.

She had a full hysterectomy and started chemotherapy but the cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes.

Rachael showed a good response to the treatment but in March 2017 was told the cancer had returned.

Doctors told Rachael they could manage it with treatment and medication.

She enjoyed a summer holiday with her children, Samuel, 11 and Eve, seven, last year but when she returned home, she began to experience bad vertigo.

A scan revealed devastating news for Rachael and she started an intense course of radiotherapy at Clatterbridge Hospital.

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In November, she told the Warrington Guardian: "I push myself as much as possible, I try to be positive and upbeat for my children.

"If the doctors are treating me then maybe something can be done and while there is hope from them, I can be hopeful."

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The family were able to spend Christmas Day together but shortly after, Rachael began to struggle with the symptoms of the cancer and side effects of the radiotherapy. She was admitted to Clatterbridge on December 27 where she was informed that her body could take no more chemotherapy and the priority would be to manage her pain.

Warrington Guardian:

Rachael with her children Samuel and Eve

This devastating news left Rachael and her family heartbroken but her close support network were determined to make the most of New Year's Eve and enjoyed a Thai meal in hospital.

On January 4 Rachael was moved to St Rocco's Hospice.

Natasha Dowsett, Rachael's sister-in-law, said: "Rachael was married to my brother Kris and has been in my life since I was 17. She was my sister, we were a very close family and my sister and Rachael were extremely close.

"She fought with everything she had and kept her personality and humour in her final moments.

"Rachael was strong, funny and the most amazing cook.

"She was a massive Warrington Wolves fan and went with her dad, Vic, to all of the matches.

"I don't know many people who could still be that brave and know the end was coming."

Her final weeks in St Rocco's Hospice were 'gentle and nurturing', and Natasha explained how staff could not do enough to make Rachael comfortable.

She added: "Anything Rachael wanted, the hospice got it – they were amazing. She wanted one last family meal at Grill on the Square but she was too poorly to leave.

"They organised for the food to be brought in and so she could enjoy one more meal with her family.

"It has been amazing to see how many people have rallied around her with donations, toys for the children and cards."

Rachael died peacefully on January 22 in St Rocco's with her dad and sister Sam by her side.

Her friend Becky Baker set up a justgiving page to raise money for Samuel and Eve – you can donate here www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rachthomson?utm_id=107&utm_term=D8zNGyEmz&fbclid=IwAR3ke8WmBFcXpfY_aSifRq1T-sJ9IZSAGZ8PnB6SpWg7u75_b7G2Pn9B-ts

Rachael's family and friends want to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, especially given Rachael's young age.

SYMTPONS INCLUDE:

  • feeling constantly bloated
  • a swollen tummy
  • discomfort in your tummy or pelvic area
  • feeling full quickly when eating, or loss of appetite
  • needing to wee more often or more urgently than normal
  • persistent indigestion or nausea
  • pain during sex
  • a change in your bowel habits
  • back pain
  • irregular bleeding
  • feeling tired all the time
  • unintentional weight loss