Tributes paid to flamboyant Sheffield mum-of-two who has died after cancer battle

Tributes have been paid to a flamboyant mum-of-two – who used her love of shoes to raise money for charity – following her death after a cancer battle.
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Felicity Gilligan was left devastated by a breast cancer diagnosis in March 2017.

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But the Stannington woman did not let the terrible news spoil her love of nice shoes as she vowed to wear a different pair every time she received treatment to raise hundreds of pounds for Cancer Research UK.

Felicity and Andrew at the christening of their children Bradley and Guy.Felicity and Andrew at the christening of their children Bradley and Guy.
Felicity and Andrew at the christening of their children Bradley and Guy.
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Her husband Andrew confirmed that she died peacefully at St Luke's Hospice in Sheffield last Wednesday aged 34.

The 40-year-old electrician said: “Felicity was so determined and full of life, she battled right to the end.

“She was so positive and dignified with it all. I was amazed at how she dealt with it.

“It was unbelievable, she was absolutely full of happiness.”

Andrew and Felicity in the Mini.Andrew and Felicity in the Mini.
Andrew and Felicity in the Mini.
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He told how he and Felicity shared one last amazing experience together when they went out for a spin in a classic mini that Andrew has spent five years restoring just four days before she died.

He said: “She always said she wanted to have the first run in it. I managed to get the car working and went out just up to Ringinglow Road and back. She was over the moon.”

The same weekend they arranged for their two young boys Bradley and Guy to be christened at St Luke’s Hospice.

The family before taking a spin in the Mini.The family before taking a spin in the Mini.
The family before taking a spin in the Mini.

Mr Gilligan added: “She had a flamboyant personality – we had a pink Cadillac for us on our wedding day.

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“She always got a lot of attention without seeking it. People always liked her and she made friends wherever she went.”

Felicity's fundraising campaign while she was undergoing treatment raised about £1500 – three times above her original target of £500.

The family praised staff who cared for her and have set up a fundraising page in aid of St Luke's Hospice.

In addition, friends are organising regular fundraising afternoon tea events to help keep Felicity's memory alive.

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Clare Elston, aged 37, helped her to arrange two of the events before her death which raised about £300 for Cancer Research UK.

A third which will include a raffle and fundraising games is due to take place at the Leopold Hotel in Sheffield city centre on Saturday, July 6, between noon and 4pm.

Clare, a mum-of-three from Firth Park, said: “She came to the previous two and really loved it and she was looking forward to going to the next one.

“She was such a loving, caring and gentle woman. We are hoping to host the fundraising afternoon teas every Christmas and summer to help keep her memory alive.”

*You can donate to the fundraising page here.

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