Leonie Largue died on November 3, 2016 following a vicious battle with breast cancer after failing to receive a referral from her GP. The young mum from Newcastle left behind husband John and two sons Jack, 18, and Ryan, 15.
After developing a small lump in her right breast, she first saw her GP in June 2014. However, she tragically did not receive a thorough examination.
Instead, she was turned away with no further referral after being advised it was only a swollen lymph gland. Leonie went back to the GP just 17 months later, having found a new mass alongside the spot where the previous lump was discovered.
She was soon diagnosed with breast cancer and, despite intense treatment, died just one years after her eventual diagnosis. Husband John, 42, has now spoken out about the ‘devastating’ loss of his wife, and how tough life without her has been.
“It’s been six years since we lost Leonie, but the pain today still feels as raw as it did back then,” he said. “She was so young and full of life before getting cancer, it was devastating to watch it take hold of her.
“For her to die so soon after being diagnosed was also incredibly difficult. She was the best wife and mum and to know that our sons will have to live their lives without her is unbearable.
"They were still very young when they had to deal with losing Leonie, and she’ll never see them get married or have families of their own.” John was also keen to stress the importance of early diagnosis, after his wife’s cancer wasn’t spotted sooner.
He continued: "To this day, I still feel if the cancer had been found earlier, Leonie might still be here. But I know there is nothing I can do to turn back the clock and change what’s happened.
"It’s also important that cancer is found early, so please seek a second opinion if you need to. I really wish I had urged Leonie to do that; I feel it might have saved her life.”
Leonie's GP denied that earlier treatment would have saved her life, but a breach of duty was admitted after accepting they should have carried out a breast examination during her initial appointment. Rachelle Mahapatra, the specialist medical negligence lawyer who represented John after Leonie's passing, added: "Leonie’s death from breast cancer at such a young age has understandably left her loved ones heartbroken.
"John and their children, in particular, are continuing to struggle to come to terms with their loss. Cancer doesn’t discriminate; it can affect anyone, and it’s vital that it’s investigated and treated early to increase the chances of survival.
"While concerning areas in Leonie’s care have been identified during our investigations, people should still take part in cancer screening programmes and seek medical advice if they’re concerned.
“We can’t change the suffering that Leonie’s family have been through but we’re pleased to have secured this settlement which will help secure the futures of Leonie’s children and help the family access the specialist support they require to try and rebuild their lives.
“We join John in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. By telling his story John hopes that he can help others by raising awareness of the signs of the disease.”
