A Cheshire woman who lost her dad to Covid needs a 'miracle' after receiving her own devastating diagnosis.
Mary Hassey was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain tumour in January this year.
The 37-year-old lost her dad Fran O'Dwyer, 63, in early 2020 during the first wave of the pandemic.
But graphic designer Mary, husband Matty and eight-year-old son Tommy’s world was turned upside down again when Mary suddenly fell ill, resulting in a large brain tumour being discovered.
READ MORE: Woman found dead in canal 10 years after her dad died in the same way, inquest hears
A surgeon was unable to remove the tumour completely, and further devastating news came after a biopsy revealed she had a grade four glioblastoma - an aggressive type of cancer, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Friends said Mary, from Runcorn, is known for her “contagious smile and laugh, her positivity and her absolute zest for life” as well as adoring her family, while husband Matty said she was a “ray of sunshine” and the “most amazing person I’ve met”.
Relatives and wellwishers are determined to help Mary and her family.
Her friends Laura McGarry, Samy Phillipson and Stephanie Harris have set up a Snowdon mountain climb fundraiser, to take place on May 1, in the hope of being able to fund more treatment or to help the Hassey's in other ways.
Launched on Saturday, by Monday afternoon the gofundme appeal had attracted more than £5,000 in donations and a long list of comments wishing the family well.
Writing online, Laura, Samy and Stephanie said: “Mary is best known for her contagious smile and laugh, her positivity and her absolute zest for life.
“Mostly, she is known for the love for her family but especially her boys Matty and Tommy.
“Please help us, help us to help this kind, witty, loyal, wonderfully fierce woman.
“We are desperate to support this family in any way possible - whether this be for funding further treatment or to help this family in any way possible.
“She is so loved by so many, and she absolutely will fight this."
Writing on social media, Mary’s husband Matty said: “The support around us has been phenomenal since day one, and we have far too many people to thank, but you know who you all are.
“There is a lot of bad things in the world, but the love from our family, friends and work colleagues is stronger than anything we’ve witnessed
“Mary will be another miracle story, she’s the most amazing person I’ve met, and she is a ray of sunshine - with a heart of gold. She will fight with everything she has for all of us."
He continued: “Me and Tommy have her back every minute of every day, and our closest loved ones have our backs on a daily basis.
“The best thing that’s come out of this beautiful gesture, is the amazing stories I’m receiving of people living long and happy lives / new treatments / therapies, and nutritional diets; which will help her get through this.
“The funds will help us explore all of the above so we make the right choice for her.
“Providing Mary is fit and well in May, I will climb Snowdon on behalf of the both of us."
Mary’s father Fran was a country singer and musician who lived in Runcorn but hailed from County Down in Northern Ireland.
Visit gofundme and search for "Support for the lovely Mary, Matty & Tommy Hassey" to support the appeal.
