Devastated friends have paid tribute to a Scots mum after her death from terminal cancer, following a five year battle with the disease.
Nina Lowe died on Friday, September 23, in St Columba's Hospice in Edinburgh. She was surrounded by close friends and family in her last moments.
The 46-year-old, who leaves behind two young daughters, was diagnosed with the disease in 2017 but told by doctors the cancer was terminal in January of this year.
After deciding to stop chemotherapy due to the unbearable side effects, Nina focused on fundraising to ensure her children Lilia, 15, and Sofia, 10 had stability after her passing. They will now live with their dad in the family home following their mum's tragic death.
Close friend Lisa Kinnear announced Nina's death on Sunday, September 25 on the fundraising page, Edinburgh Live reports.
She wrote: "This is the update I never wanted to write, the most amazing friend and human being Nina Lowe passed away on Friday morning surrounded by friends and family in St Columba's Hospice.
"My heart is broken but was so grateful to share the last few days with Nina, her family and closest friends staying with Nina in the hospice."
Lisa continued: "The staff there looked after Nina and all of us with such compassion and it allowed us to spend precious time together. I can't yet think about how my life will be without Nina but I'm so privileged to have shared so many ups (so many laughs) and downs with this beautiful lady.
"The world is now a sadder place. Thank you so much for all your donations. It really did give Nina a great deal of comfort to know the girls have security going forward."
Nina had previously set up the fundraising page to support her daughters after she passed away. On it the heartbroken mum wrote: "I would be utterly heartbroken if the girls had to move away from everything they know, just after losing me. These thoughts are tormenting me.
"Therefore, I am looking to raise enough money to pay the current rent on our house, for at least 6 months (£7,200), in the hope of giving them a bit of stability in the months after I have gone. This would give me so much comfort, it really would mean the world to me.
"Despite everything I have gone through the past five years, I have never wanted to burden people, so rarely reach out for help, so this is an incredibly difficult thing for me to do. If you can help, you have no idea how much that would mean, and would bring a lot of peace to me. Equally, I know how hard times are just now, so please don’t feel any worry or guilt if you are not able to help out."
She added: "I’ve thought about a million ways to say goodbye, and I’ve realised….there is just no way to say goodbye. I am not ready to leave you all. My heart is broken. It does not break for me….only for those I leave behind.
"My darling children. My amazing family. My close beautiful friends. My loves, and of course our new puppy. Just everyone who has been there for me, you have all made me have the most wonderful life. I feel incredibly blessed. I guess I am really one of the lucky ones too, as not many people get to even say goodbye."
The fundraising page has totalled over £55,000 from close family, friends and those touched by Nina's heartbreaking story. You can donate and find out more here.
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