A family have paid tribute to their “strong and courageous” mum-of-two who tragically died aged 37 following her battle with an aggressive “triple negative” breast cancer.

Stacey Withington, who lived in Deane, was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time three weeks after giving birth to her daughter, Sophia, via C-section in 2022. 

At the time she was completing her master’s degree at the University of Bolton in positive psychology.

She died on Tuesday, October 15 after undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, several surgeries and most recently a double mastectomy and deep inferior epigastric perforator breast reconstruction.

The trailblazing mum was described by her family as a “resilient and straight-talking” character, who was heavily involved in showcasing the “best of Bolton and giving back to the community".

(Image: Gina Withington)Stacey, who worked with police in supporting victims of domestic violence, won several awards for her dedicated charity work.

Last month, she was awarded the Inspirational Empowerment Award as part of Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards, for standing out as a “beacon of inspiration in the breast cancer care community".

Stacey’s mother, Gina Withington, who raised Stacey with her partner, Shaun Halton, said: “Stacey had an infectious smile, she could light up a room and was able to make friends with anyone.

(Image: Gina Withington) “She was beautiful- even while she was ill she looked radiant. She never cried, even when she was only given three months left, she was so brave and always used the phrase ‘#it’s not over until I say it’s over’.

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“She had an amazingly supportive partner in Lee and her two children, Jamie and Sophia, were her world. They’re so loving, non-judgemental and always smiling – they take after their mum.”

(Image: Gina Withington)

Earlier this year, Stacey co-authored a best-selling novel detailing her cancer journey titled, If I Could Tell Her. The book, which made it to The Sunday Times bestseller list, features seven women sharing stories of courage, inspiration, strength, and growth, to offer hope and give advice to their younger selves.

At the time of her death, she was working on a children’s book to convey the struggles of cancer in a positive way. Long-time family friend, Julie, will now finish the book in her legacy so that it can help other children.

(Image: Gina Withington) In 2018 she completed a 15,000ft skydive to raise money for children’s charity Make-A-Wish.

Stacey’s long-term partner, Lee said: “She was beautiful inside and out, with the biggest heart. Stacey was a big Disney fan, and she loved Hollyoaks.

"I've lost my rock, my soul mate, my warrior.

"I was with her every step of the way. No more pain, no more suffering, now she's at peace on the other side.

"Stacey made me who I am today. This void in my heart will never be filled.

“We were due to get married on Tuesday, October 22 and I’ll love her for the rest of my life.

“She inspired woman all over the world, we had messages from women as far as America who had been following Stacey’s story and who were thanking her because she’d helped them to detect their own cancer early.”

(Image: Gina Withington)

As a champion of other women, Stacey was a member of the Ladies Empowerment Circle (LEC), a dynamic networking and support group based in the North of England.

Julie said: “The ladies at the LEC have been amazing, the women have been so supportive, kind and caring. They were like a family to her.

“We’d like to thank Diana Potora for making meal preps throughout her journey, Sarah Hulme, who organised events to raise money for Stacey, and Jenna Atkinson was a close friend, she did a lovely book of memories for Stacey.

“There’s too many to name individually, they all played a huge role in Stacey’s journey.

“Stacey was a warrior, a beacon in the night,

“A symbol of strength, a shining light.  I was proud to call Stacey my friend, I’m glad I was with her till the end.”

As a keen artist, Stacey ran an award-winning health and wellbeing boutique, Beyoutiful Reflections in Horwich, which she described as “a special corner of the world, where all things bright, beautiful and uplifting are celebrated".

Lee will continue the website in their son’s name.

She also ran a psychology business with the same name alongside her business partner, Jeanette.

Long-time family friend, Lisa Forshaw, who owns her own PR company, said: “Stacey made sure that everyone around her felt valued, seen and heard.

(Image: Gina Withington) "She was my friend, my angel and loved so dearly. Thank you for teaching me so much and for all the moments we shared.

"I’ll forever cherish the incredible times we had together. Rest easy, Stacey."

Gina said: “Although Stacey knew she was terminal, she didn’t want to give up her fight, not even until the end. She had a great sense of humour throughout.

“We want to remember her as the intelligent, beautiful and courageous woman that she was.

"She’s left an unmovable hole in our hearts, we want to make sure that Stacey’s legacy is remembered by all.

“My precious angel has gone to do angel duties.”

Those who wish can find Stacey's GoFundMe page here.