Tributes have poured in for an “inspiring” young mother from Co Cork who passed away just days before Christmas at the age of 26, reports The Mirror.
Natasha O’Byrne, from Blackpool, passed away on December 23, surrounded by her family and receiving the “tender and exceptional care” of staff at Cork University Hospital after a battle with cancer.
Natasha was diagnosed with bowel cancer in November 2024. Earlier that year, in July, she began experiencing intense chest pain, and by October, the pain had become unbearable, reports The Mirror.
She was transferred by ambulance to Cork University Hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with pancreatitis, leading to a two-week hospitalization and a series of scans.
On November 11, Natasha received the devastating news that she had bowel cancer, reports The Mirror.
Reflecting on receiving the diagnosis, Natasha shared with Cancer.ie earlier this year: “It was shocking and really harrowing to be told that news, especially at my age, reports The Mirror”
“My family has been so impacted by cancer, it is truly devastating. It’s one of those things that is out of your hands. I never felt ‘why me’ – I suppose I’ve just had to get on with it,” she continued, reports The Mirror.
“My first thoughts were straight to my children. Their quality of life and how do I make sure my treatment has as little affect as possible on them. They’re too young to fully understand but they know mummy is sick and that I’m taking medicine to try get better. Like myself, my family have been there through cancer and they have really rallied round to support me,” reports The Mirror.
After her diagnosis, Natasha began fundraising for the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), which had provided invaluable support during her battle with cancer, as well as her mother and grandmother’s own struggles with the disease.
She helped organize the Concert for Hope at Cork City Hall in July, which was headlined by country star Nathan Carter, all in aid of the ICS, reports The Mirror.
Sadly, Natasha passed away on December 23, with the ICS leading the tributes to the Cork cancer advocate.
“We are devastated to hear of the passing of Natasha O’Byrne just before Christmas. Our thoughts are with Natasha’s husband, her young children, her family, friends, and neighbours,” they said in a statement, reports The Mirror.
“Faced with an advanced bowel cancer diagnosis at such a young age, Natasha’s incredible strength and commitment to make a difference shone through when she organized a ‘Concert for Cancer’ this past summer in Cork City Hall in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. We were blown away by her energy, dedication, and sense of purpose in such difficult circumstances. She lit up every room she was in. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam,” reports The Mirror.
Alan Cheevers, the Deputy Mayor of Galway and a prominent advocate for bowel cancer awareness, also paid tribute to the courageous young mother.
“Sincere Condolences to Natasha’s family, a brave woman,” he said, reports The Mirror.
“Thanks for carrying the message of awareness of this terrible disease, you left a lasting legacy. Rest in peace,” reports The Mirror.
A close friend of Natasha’s shared: “Deepest condolences to Rad, Emilija Max and all the O’Byrne family on the sad loss of Natasha. She was always so lovely to meet on the school walk, always in great humour, despite everything she was dealing with. An inspirational young woman. Thinking of her husband, adored children, dad, brother, and all her family and friends at this very sad time. May she rest in peace,” reports The Mirror.
Another person added: “Rest in peace, Natasha, you were such a beautiful person and an inspiration to so many people, always so positive in life, you’re in the arms of your mother now, praying for your family and kids at this difficult time,” reports The Mirror.
Natasha’s funeral took place in the Church of the Annunciation in her hometown of Blackpool on December 27, with mourners wearing bright colours to honour the cancer campaigner, reports The Mirror.
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