Family appeal for fitting farewell

Collette McCartney, right, and sister Yvette

THE family of a woman from Oldham who tragically passed away after her stomach cancer returned are trying to raise money to give her the send-off she deserves.

Collette McCartney was just 34 when she was diagnosed with stomach cancer in January 2015.

She endured 12 months of gruelling treatment including chemotherapy and the partial removal of her stomach.

Her family were ecstatic after barmaid Collette was given the all-clear in February, but last month tragically her condition rapidly deteriorated and doctors were unable to save her. She died aged 35.

Her sister Yvette McCartney (34) said: She rang me crying, having a panic attack saying that she had a feeling she was going to die.

"I went to the hospital with my partner Gary and she said she just wanted to go for a drive. We took her out in the car and to McDonald's and when she got back to the hospital she just lay down and passed away."

Collette, who had to give up work as a barmaid because of the cancer, was unable to have children and was like a mum to her nephews and nieces - Ellie (13), Kieron (12), Jack (9), and Emily (8). But because she was so young her devastated family didn't have a funeral plan in place.

Yvette's partner Gary Cleaver, said: "Once she was diagnosed with cancer it was impossible to get affordable cover to pay for a funeral plan.

"Unfortunately the family are struggling to find the money to be able to give Collette the send-off she deserves so we've organised two fundraising events and set up a JustGiving page.

"Collette was a larger than life girl who was loved by thousands, her Facebook page had too many comments and condolences to be able to quantify.

"She was a huge Manchester City supporter and travelled during the last year of her life throughout the country watching her team."

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, affects around 7,000 people in the UK each year.

The first event starts at 7pm tomorrow, at the Pineapple Inn on Rochdale Road in Shaw.

The second event will take place on Sunday at 2pm in the Coach and Horses pub across the road.