Family and friends of a West Lothian mum who passed away after a courageous fight with cancer are being invited to celebrate her life and remember the exceptional woman she was.
Mum-of-two Rachel Kennedy passed away on Sunday aged just 33.
Tributes to the “smart, beautiful and inspirational” woman have poured in since and details of her funeral have been shared with well wishers.
Rachel – who leaves behind sons Lewis (6) and Jude (4) – will be laid to rest on Saturday, October 16, at the West Lothian Crematorium following a service at Blackburn and Seafield Parish Church.
A guard of honour will see her family “march her on her final journey” from her home at East Whitburn from 9.10am.
In November 2020, Rachel was diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer after experiencing abnormal bleeding she put down to having the coil fitted.
Tragically chances to pick up on the disease were missed after a GP left a message asking her to come in for an examination on a broken mobile phone and further delays were caused by the pandemic, leading her family to hit out, saying she had been “utterly let down”.
She underwent a gruelling regime of chemo, radiation and other medications and treatments and a fundraising campaign was launched to pay for immunotherapy, but she was given the devastating news that the cancer and spread further.
Rachel said throughout her fight it was important that women get unusual symptoms checked out by their doctor.
She also started a Facebook support group called ‘Be the Queen of Your Own Castle’ to share the stories of herself and other brave women who are experiencing cervical cancer.
On Sunday, her family shared the heartbreaking news of her death on the page, saying: “Our beautiful Rachel died peacefully at home this morning, surrounded by her loved ones.
“May she rest in peace. One day we will meet again.”
Following her death, tributes to Rachel poured into the page.
One wrote: “Heartbroken to read this. Rach was smart, capable, beautiful, inspirational, and always put others before herself.
“She fought as hard as she possibly could, and left no stone unturned. Sending love and support to all her family.” Another posted, adding: “Thinking of all the family at this very sad time. Rachel truly was an inspiration and I will forever admire her determination to carry on making special memories for her precious boys. It was a privilege to know her. I truly believe she will always be with you. Rest in peace Rachel.”
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