Michelle Donnelly, a beloved mum-of-four and student midwife from Glasgow, who touched thousands by chronicling her leukaemia journey, has died unexpectedly in her sleep.
She had been battling acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and recently returned to university after responding well to treatment. Tragically, she passed away peacefully in her sleep last week, leaving her husband Ryan and their four children Poppy, Rosie, Benny, and Teddy.
Inspiring thousands online
Michelle candidly shared the challenges of juggling treatment with family life and studies, amassing 1.3 million likes on her videos. She studied at the University of the West of Scotland and described herself as a "busy working mum and student midwife." Her passing came days after completing a six-week placement while undergoing chemotherapy.
Heartbreaking tribute from husband
Ryan broke the news in an emotional tribute: "Woke up this morning hoping it was all just a nightmare but my beautiful wife and the most incredible mum to our four amazing children passed away peacefully and unexpectedly in her sleep yesterday morning. Words can't describe how heartbroken we all are as a family."
He added: "My comfort is she will be up in heaven looking after our baby boy Archie." The family described the loss as a "complete shock."
GoFundMe appeal
A GoFundMe launched to support Ryan and the children has raised over £28,000 of its £40,000 target through around 1,100 donations. Organisers wrote: "She had been doing so well and had recently returned to university, proudly completing her last placement. She had so much to look forward to, which makes this loss even more heartbreaking."
Glasgow photography business K&K Studio & Events paid tribute: "Our hearts are aching at the tragic loss of beautiful Michelle Donnelly." Her TikTok followers also expressed shock, with one saying: "Absolutely heartbreaking, I watched her videos all the time and was in awe of her strength." The family responded through Michelle's account: "We have read everyone's kind comments... Keep us in your thoughts, stay strong for her."
