A mum tragically died just 48 hours after being told she had four to six weeks left to live.
Caz Murphy, 47, was given the devastating news she had terminal breast cancer in March 2020, and was told she had at least four more weeks to make memories with her family.
However, tragically, the mum-of-two died just 48 hours later, on March 7, 2020, leaving behind her husband Dominic, and sons Liam, 12, and Luke, 10.
Caz had been supported during her illness by the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre - so when Dominic heard the organisers of the charity's annual "Night of Hope" event were hanging up their hats after 10 years in 2022, he decided to take up the responsibility in memory of his wife.
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He said: "Caz always went to her chemo sessions with a positive attitude and a smile on her face. In June 2018 Caz initially went on a trial of a US drug. Unfortunately for Caz, the results were not positive and in October 2018 she moved to traditional chemotherapy.
“In early March 2020, Caz had to go into Clatterbridge as her stats were not good and we were told it would be four to six weeks. Unfortunately, it was a lot less and Caz passed less than 48 hours later. I honestly think she decided that she was not going to put me and the kids through what would have been a horrendous few weeks. We had a beautiful last day together and then Caz went to sleep on Saturday (March 7) and did not wake.
“For that last week in Clatterbridge the emotional support Caz and I received from all the staff there, from the wonderful nurses, to Noel who brought the tea and coffees and everyone else around was priceless. So many of the nurses made contact with me in the following days and weeks, passing on their condolences to me and the boys, and all were so genuine and heartfelt we were genuinely touched.
“The nurses made Caz feel like an individual and not simply a patient. They put her at ease, explained exactly what was happening and why, always with care and compassion. What they have to face each and every day cannot be underestimated, yet for every session every nurse we saw had a smile and understanding for both of us.”
Dominic, from Wallasey, recently organised his second "Night of Hope" at the Poulton Victoria Sports and Social Club with the help of friends Martine Daly, Grace Turner, Julie Kelly, Helen Marsh-Wilson and Sarah Price - and raised more than £7,000.
He said: “This year’s event was our second Night of Hope in memory of Caz and was another resounding success, with huge support from local businesses and the local community. When we found out that the original Night of Hope organisers were hanging up their party shoes, Caz made me and a group of mums we know Martine, Grace, Julie, Helen and Sarah promise to carry on the tradition and keep supporting Clatterbridge.”
Clatterbridge fundraiser Elspeth Wilson said: “So far, Dominic and the mums have raised an incredible £32,500 in memory of Caz, including the two Nights of Hope, matched funding from employers, fundraising at work, and taking part in sponsored walks. One of the mums, Helen, even did a 30,000 sit-up challenge a couple of years ago.
“Their incredible Night of Hope donations this year will help to support a "prehab" service to ensure that all cancer patients are as active as possible before, after and during their treatment.
“We simply can’t thank Dominic, Martine, Grace, Julie, Helen and Sarah enough for their amazing support in memory of Caz. We are so grateful for everything they have done, and continue to do in support of our Wirral cancer centre.”
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