Tributes have been paid to a "beautiful mum" from Huyton who died after heartbreakingly asking doctors, "am I going to see my little boy go to school?" Laura Thornley was just 36 when she found out she had an aggressive form of cancer.
At the time she thought her plummeting weight was the result of her recent pregnancy, as she recovered from the birth of her son Isaac. The mum-of-one dropped from a size 16 to a size eight within one year, and her nan pulled her aside one day to express her concern.
Diagnosis and treatment
Laura was diagnosed with IBS symptoms in late 2023, but further tests at Royal Liverpool Hospital in January 2025 returned a devastating diagnosis: cancer of the small intestine.
She began treatment immediately, then more CT scans found a 5cm tumour on the lining of her stomach, which surgeons removed in May. Then, as the mum began a second round of chemotherapy, she complained of a bad headache which had persisted for two weeks.
Tragically, Laura was given the news her cancer had spread - and she now had an aggressive 3cm brain tumour. At the time a fundraiser was set up to help the mum fulfil her last wishes.
Touching tribute
Laura's friend Kirsty Caldwell announced her death this week with a touching tribute. It read: "Our hearts are absolutely broken to share that our beautiful Laura has gained her angel wings. She is now back in the arms of her forever bestie and little brother Lee, no doubt singing and dancing to Queen Bey.
"We are all completely heartbroken, but what a fight our girl put up. She fought right until the very end, and we couldn’t be more proud of her."
"As many of you will remember, the original GoFundMe was set up to help Laura make memories with her son, husband and wider family. Thanks to every single one of you who donated, shared and supported her, that is exactly what they were able to do. They made the most beautiful memories together, and we will never, ever be able to thank you enough for making that possible.
"We have one last ask - we ask for your support to help Laura’s family through the difficult days ahead and take away as much of the financial burden as we possibly can."
Fundraiser appeal
"If you are able to donate absolutely anything, no matter how big or small, we would be forever grateful. Every single penny will help Laura’s family, especially her husband and little boy."
"Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for every bit of love, kindness and support you have shown Laura and her family throughout this whole journey.
"Laura was so incredibly grateful for every single one of you. She was so loved, and she will never, ever be forgotten. Fly high, our beautiful girl. Until we meet again."
You can donate to Laura's fundraiser online.
