Tragedy as 'ray of light' mum dies aged 35 at Christmas

Kaleigh Bold's family said they will "carry on the fight" to share her story in the hope of raising awareness

A much-loved mum described by her family as a 'ray of light' died aged just 35 at Christmas.

Kaleigh Bold had previously fought off one bout of aggressive breast cancer and underwent intense chemotherapy and a double mastectomy a few years ago. She finished treatment for this in 2020.

In October last year, she told how she noticed 'little bits' in her eyes while she worked. She was told by doctors to see an optician who gave her glasses for when she used the computer and watched television.

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Kaleigh, however, began suffering from other symptoms, including pains in her legs, hips and her body began to reject the implants she had after her double mastectomy. Following tests, doctors found nodules on her lung but she was told this was 'common' and 'nothing to worry about'.

Kayleigh, from Mossley Hill, Liverpool, said a week before her hen do she asked her breast cancer team what was going on and was told she needed a multi-disciplinary team meeting. She said 'at that point I knew there was something wrong', reports The Echo.

Kaleigh went on her hen do with her 22-strong party to Barcelona, but struggled with sickness and didn't feel well. The day after she returned from her trip on August 2 last year, doctors confirmed the cancer had returned and spread to the mum's bones, lungs, liver and her brain, and she again underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

However, heartbreakingly, Kaleigh lost her battle with cancer on Wednesday, December 20.

She leaves her husband Ant, son Harry, mum Lindsey, brother Adam and sisters Siobhan, Samera and Nadine. Her family described Kaleigh as someone who cared deeply for her family, friends and others.

Paying tribute to Kaleigh, sisters Samera and Siobhan said on behalf of the family: "Kaleigh was the most positive, inspirational, upbeat, happy, caring, kind person you could meet. Anyone who met her would leave in a better mood, she was a joy to be around and loved by everyone. She literally lit up every room she walked in.

"She is the most amazing wife and mum. Her little boy Harry is so lucky to have had the best mum on the planet, who adored and worshiped him. Nothing was too much for her when it come to her family. Kaleigh adored her husband Anthony, they’d been together for 18 years, they were inseparable from the day they met. They were destined to be together, it was meant to be.

"She was so kind and thoughtful. She took pleasure in making things special for others. A ray of light. On the outside, she was so vivacious and full of life, on the inside she was so caring, loving and such a loyal friend.

"Anyone who met Kaleigh for two minutes would be smiling ear to ear or laughing their head off. The most infectious laugh. Loved her family so, so much and as a big sister she was our go to and our protector, always looking out for us and helping us in anyway she could."

Kaleigh has previously shared her story to raise awareness of breast cancer and secondary cancer. The mum also urged people to check their breasts for any abnormalities.

Speaking to the ECHO last year, she said: "Before I even got cancer the first time, I never checked my boobs. Because I have the BRCA gene I probably would have got it at some point, but I think you're in the shower everyday and you're washing yourself. It literally takes a minute - if that - just to check around, just have a good little feel."

Kaleigh said people should not to be afraid to visit their doctor if they find any abnormalities out of fear of being "dramatic" as it is important to get it checked. She also urged other who were battling cancer to be "kind" to themselves and talk to their loved ones and medical teams.

Her family said they will "carry on the fight" to share Kaleigh's story in the hope of raising awareness and helping other young women.

They added: "Funny and hilarious and everyone across Liverpool who knew her will notice this tremendous loss that we should not be feeling. Kaleigh wanted to get her story out so more young women don’t go through what she has been through, something needs to change to get young women tested sooner."