A Lanarkshire gran died of incurable cancer after fearing she would catch COVID if she went to her GP.
Jacqueline 'Jackie' Shiels' family said the 59-year-old delayed visiting the doctors for six months after developing symptoms of lung cancer because she was scared of going into a health care setting during the pandemic.
By the time lollipop lady Jackie, from Cumbernauld, sought help in October 2020 her cancer had spread to her chest, lymph nodes and liver.
Jackie's heartbroken daughter Sharlene is now warning others of delaying their appointments.
She told our sister paper, the Daily Record, said: "We just wish mum had went to the doctors sooner.
"If she had, then maybe they would have been able to offer her different treatment. She was so poorly by the time she actually went.
"We knew something serious must have been wrong with her. Her cancer was too advanced to be cured.
"People shouldn't settle for telephone or video appointments. You need to be seen in person for doctors to actually see the extent of what's wrong."
Sharlene, 33, said her mum started to develop a hoarse voice before becoming breathless and suffering from severe skin colour changes.
Once she had her symptoms checked by a GP, Jackie was sent for further tests and scans before being told she had metastatic lung cancer.
Jackie, who worked as a lollipop lady at Westfield Primary for 23 years, battled cancer for 16 months before passing away on February 22 surrounded by her family.
She is survived by Sharlene, daughter Ashleigh 30, and her grandchildren Kyle 12, Isabella, nine, and Hollie, six.
The family say Jackie's death has turned their world upside down.
Mum-of-two Sharlene added: "Watching mum deteriorate in front of our eyes was awful. She was an amazing wee wumin' and we are all heartbroken she is gone.
"She dedicated her life to us and she always put everyone before herself.
"She was one of a kind. Such a loving soul who had time for everyone."
Sharlene said Jackie loved working as a lollipop lady and missed seeing the children and their families when she was unwell.
"Her job meant everything to her. She absolutely loved it. No matter the weather she was happy to be out on the streets getting the kids to school safely. "
The family set-up a fundraising page to help pay for her funeral costs. They have raised almost £2000 in less than 24 hours.
Posting on the page, Sharlene and Ashleigh wrote: "Due to COVID again we didn’t get the chance to do everything we wanted so I would love if you could please help us give her the send off she deserves.
"We wish we could do without asking for help but our financial situation won’t let us do that."
Sharlene said they have been overwhelmed by the amount of support they have received.
She said: "I just wish mum was here to see all the love she is getting. Everyone has been so kind since she passed away.
"The donations we have received mean the world to us. We are so, so grateful and I know mum would be too."
To donate click here.
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