A Northern Ireland woman who fought liver cancer through an experimental treatment has passed away.
Heather King (58) was diagnosed with stage four terminal liver cancer last year.
Mrs King, who had also battled cervical cancer in the past, was handed a lifeline earlier this year when it was discovered she qualified for a new form of experimental therapy through having the Her2 gene.
The process – which targets the tumours directly and destroys them by breaking down the proteins – had never been used to treat liver cancer before and was costly at just under £3,000 per week.
The community in Limavady rallied around the mother-of-two during her battle and along with her family organised a large number of fundraising events to help raise the money required.
Local author Gerry Robinson donated the proceeds of his book on this history of local football club Limavady United FC to the costs of Mrs King’s treatment.
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Raffles, charity events and quizzes were also organised in an effort to raise the money.
In May, Mrs King said the outpouring of support from the community had left her “overwhelmed”.
“Their support has been amazing. It’s absolutely mind blowing, I never thought it would take off and run like this,” she said.
A death notice for Mrs King said she had “away peacefully at her own home surrounded by her loving family”.
She was the much loved wife of Mervyn, mother of Joe and Ross, mother-in-law of Sharlene and Victoria, grandmother of Reagan and Zach and sister and sister-in-law of Allison and Kieran.
Mrs King’s funeral service will take place at her late home on Saturday at 11.30am, followed by burial in Enagh Cemetery.
“Heather will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her entire family circle,” added the death notice.
Burnfoot Football Club – where Heather’s nephew is a member – sent its condolences.
“Everyone at Burnfoot FC would like to pass on their sincere condolences to former manager and current committee member Marty King on the passing of his aunt Heather King,” said a spokesperson.
“Our thoughts are with the whole king family at this difficult time.”
News Catch Up: Friday 29th November