Owls star Barry Bannan expresses sadness over death of Sheffield Wednesday fitness coach's wife

Owls star Barry Bannan has joined fellow players and a former manager to express sadness at the death of the wife of Sheffield Wednesday's fitness coach.
Hayley and Andy Kalinins with their four childrenHayley and Andy Kalinins with their four children
Hayley and Andy Kalinins with their four children

Hayley Kalinins, aged 37, lost her cancer battle yesterday, leaving family and friends heartbroken.

The mum-of-four, whose husband Andy Kalinins is tasked with keeping Owls players fit, fought the disease for seven years after initially being diagnosed with breast cancer, which later spread to her liver and lungs.

Hayley and Andy Kalinins with their four childrenHayley and Andy Kalinins with their four children
Hayley and Andy Kalinins with their four children
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Posting on Twitter, Owls midfielder Bannan said: 'What an amazing woman and family. Thoughts are with all of you.'

Ex-Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal also tweeted about Hayley's death.

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Wife of Sheffield Wednesday fitness coach loses battle with cancer

He said: 'Devastating news about the passing of Hayley Kalinins. Big hug to Andy Kalinins and beautiful family.'

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Posting last night after Wednesday's 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, first team coach and former team captain, Lee Bullen, tweeted: 'It has been a really disappointing evening but the devastating news of Hayley Kalinins passing today is a whole new level.

'Andy, your beautiful wife was an inspiration. Love to you and your gorgeous children. Never forgotten.'

After being told by medics that there were no more treatment options available for her in the UK after surgery and 70 rounds of chemotherapy, Hayley launched an online appeal in 2016 for help to pay for specialist treatment abroad.

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She initially planned to travel to America but then found a specialist clinic in Germany, which she praised for extending her life and her time with her children.

Well wishers donated over £235,000 to help Hayley fight for survival.

Thousands of messages of support for Andy and his children have been posted online, with friends and supporters who followed Hayley's battle, describing her as '˜amazing,' and '˜inspirational'.

In a post on Hayley's Facebook page, Karen Bell wrote: 'I never met Hayley but she will be remembered by all who have followed her story to be a truly inspirational lady who fought for every moment she could spend on this earth with her beautiful family. You must be so proud of her.'

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Tara McCool added: 'Totally heartbroken for all of you. She was so brave and put up such a huge fight.'

Judi Riley described Hayley as a '˜strong, inspirational lady' and Helen Hand said she was '˜an inspiration to many' who had shown '˜strength and courage throughout her fight'.

The SWFC Supporters Club tweeted: 'With great sadness we hear the news that the brave wife of Wednesday's fitness coach Andy, Hayley Kalinins, passed away today.

'She never have up fighting, and Wednesday fans never gave up hoping. RIP.'

 

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