Mum of two dies after brave battle with cancer

By David Hunter

A Co. Antrim mum of two has passed away following a lengthy battle with an agressive form of cancer.

Aundrea Bannatyne was given six to twelve months to live when she was first diagnosed with a pancreatic tumour in July 2015.

Doctors in Belfast told the 43-year-old she should go home and spend time with her family whilst continuing treatment.

However, through the 'Aundrea's Army' campaign, she was able to fund trips to Germany for a series of private treatments she believed help extend her life. 

In a Facebook post online Aundrea's family and friends said: "It's with a heavy heart we tell you our beautiful girl Aundrea lost her battle in the last hour.

"She will be missed by everyone but especially Mum Lorraine, Dad Richard , Brother Aaron and beautiful sons Jack & James.

"She fought with everything she had right until the end."

QRadio news spoke to the mum of two back in February when she criticised doctors who questioned her for seeking a second opinion on the fatal prognosis.

She said :“They simply wrote me off. A doctor told me that if I left the hospital that day there might not be a bed waiting for me again when I got back.

“I had an actual row with him in the hospital that day and told him I wanted to get a second opinion on my health, for my life.

“I was still happy to be getting the care but when you’re told something so serious you just want to make sure”.

Aundrea’s children, Jack and James, who are both under the age of 15, had been staying with family during Aundrea's treatment.

The young mum also told QRadio news that her best friend knew her wishes, and would relay them on to the family when she passed away. 

Friends and family have been posting on social media, and funeral arrangements have not yet been released.