A fundraising drive has been launched by the colleagues of an ‘NHS hero’ and mum from Spalding who has died after battling a rare form of cancer.
Hannah Stinson (29) was diagnosed with BCOR sarcoma in 2021 while six months’ pregnant with daughter Summer Rose.
She underwent six months of chemotherapy every two weeks on a tumour the size of a small football.
The premature birth of Summer Rose was induced that December in a break between treatments.
Hannah and her fiancé Brett were told she was in remission the following year.
But this summer she was rushed into hospital with abdominal pains that turned out to be the cancer returning.
“After getting into remission, we felt our life was back on track,” said Brett. “It was only a few years prior, I had an aggressive form of leukaemia and also had chemo with Hannah by my side.
“It was now our time to enjoy life and be a family.
“When we were told the cancer was looking incurable this year, Hannah didn’t see that as an option. She was always stubborn.
“With her immune system down to zero after intensive chemo, Hannah was weak but her strength and resilience continued as she continued to fight, with a weakened smile still on her face.
“I held Hannah’s hand and spoke to her as she went to sleep.
“She gave me one instruction, one promise to keep her.
“That was to look after our daughter Summer if anything happened.”
Hannah died on Thursday, October 31 after contracting sepsis.
“Throughout her treatment, she never moaned or complained,” continued Brett with whom she set up the Rush Hour Escape Room in Spalding’s Red Lion Street. “She didn’t feel the need to post about her discomfort on social media.
“She was a proud woman and an incredible mother.
“I have never met a more kind, selfless and beautiful person in all of my life.
“This courageous, beautiful lady made my life complete.
“Hannah had a sparkle that could light up any room and she was truly an angel as a nurse caring for those in need.
“She gifted us the most precious, gorgeous little girl Summer and the thought of not being able to hold her hand, tell her I love her, or Summer having her mummy back tears me apart.”
Hannah worked as a staff nurse on the 6A Elderly Care ward at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston.
Her colleagues have set up a Go Fund Me page entitled ‘Support for Hannah’s family’ which has already raised over £5,000 for the family.
One of her colleagues, Ebony Coulam, said: “She was a kind caring person whose smile was infectious.
“Hannah was loved by everyone and will be truly missed by her work family and the ward will not be the same without her here.”
Hannah’s father Mark Stinson received a standing ovation at a meeting of South Holland District Council in May 2022 after leaving the authority after 27 years to help look after her and his granddaugher.
Hannah’s sister, Beth Stinson, is also well known in the town as a member of South Holland District Council’s Communities team and previously Spalding town centre co-ordinator.
They and Hannah’s mum Linda said in a statement “Our hearts are shattered and life will never be the same again.
“We miss Hannah every second of every day and always will.
“From all of us, our heartfelt thanks to Hannah‘s colleagues for setting up the fundraiser and for the generosity of all those people who have contributed, sent messages, cards and flowers.”
