Relatives of a beloved Coatbridge mum and nurse who died of cancer aged just 28 are “overwhelmed” after raising more than £1000 in only a day in support of a charity challenge honouring her memory.
Maria O’Neill tragically passed away in April, eight months after having been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.
Now her sister and members of her fiance’s family are taking on this Saturday’s midnight walk event to thank all those at St Andrew’s hospice in Airdrie where Maria spent her final days.
Much-loved Maria was mum to little Mila, now three, and had worked for five years as a urology nurse in ward six at Monklands Hospital.
She was diagnosed with cancer last July after discovering a lump in her breast while showering, and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy; but just as she prepared for a scheduled mastectomy in February this year, medics found that the cancer had spread to her spine and lung.
Relatives were able to spend precious time with her at the hospice, and now plan a series of “Maria’s Army” fundraisers to remember her and to show gratitude for the support given by the hospice to the whole family.
Younger sister Caitlyn O’Neill paid fond tribute to her “phenomenal and really brave” sibling, saying: “Maria always talked about being bigger than your fear, facing things head on and recognising the good things around you, and she’s left such a legacy.
“Her full life since becoming a mum was about Mila and she was the bravest mum ever for her daughter. There are lots of photos and memories on Facebook which will be there forever and great for Mila to look at when she’s older, and we’re all making sure she’s always able to talk about her mum.
“Maria was destined to care for others and was born to be a mum and a nurse. She came from a really big family and she was always the protective older sister and cousin.
“She loved her job and she was absolutely created to do it; her colleagues and patients all remember her and she had a fabulous reputation.
“After being diagnosed she shared her experiences and worked to encourage everyone to check themselves for lumps.
“We’re still all just taking it day by day, as losing such an amazing person will change us forever, but it’s brought all her family closer together to carry on her legacy and we want to honour Maria’s memory.”
Caitlyn told how the family are “indebted” to the St Andrew’s staff for their care of Maria and all her loved ones, saying: “The hospice’s reputation precedes it and everyone knows how amazing they are; we just want to highlight how fantastic it is and how caring every single member of staff is.
“Everybody knows cancer is devastating but it’s not until you deal with it affecting someone close to you that you really realise how much so; it’s the same with the hospice where everyone knows how great they are but it’s not until you’re physically in it that you realise how special the place is.
“The nurses were constantly checking on Maria but they’d also go round each of the family individually and ask how we were which made a big difference. It’s a very positive environment where all the staff really care about everyone and when you walk in it’s like a weight is being lifted from your shoulders.”
Caitlyn will take on Saturday’s midnight walk alongside Maria’s in-laws Rachael, Gerry and Jen Weatherall – the sister, dad and stepmum of her fiance Joe, who proposed at her Monklands Hospital bedside.
They will complete a 13-mile circular route starting and finishing at Ravenscraig sports centre as the fundraiser returns to the hospice’s calendar for the first time in three years following the Covid pandemic; and the group are delighted by the level of support they swiftly received through their online donations page.
Student Caitlyn, 21, said: “It’s made me quite emotional and it makes you realise how good people are; people are struggling with the rising cost of living cost so to see the total reach £1000 in a day is incredible.
“The original target was £500 and I thought we might not get that but it would be worth it if we could try, but we quickly ended up doubling that.
“So many friends and family have been sponsoring and sharing. It’s testament to how well known and loved Maria was, and the hospice had a special place in her heart.”
The fundraising page in memory of Maria can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/midnight-walk-in-honour-of-our-maria-oneill
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