Mountbatten fundraiser for friend who died nine weeks after diagnosis

Technical administrator Amanda Hancock, 38, from Bursledon, lost her best friend to breast cancer only nine weeks after her diagnosis.

Amanda was also touched by the care and support her best friend was given by Mountbatten.

She said: “They were brilliant and allowed her to be surrounded by her family and friends, they are wonderful at celebrating people’s lives.

“The care provided by the hospice is so touching, the people there don’t get the credit they deserve and that why we want to raise money for Mountbatten.”

Last year, Amanda and her friend Natalie Kowaiewicz, who lost her mum to cancer and also stayed with Mountbatten, put on a charity ball at the Ageas Bowl to raise money for Mountbatten.

The pair raised £25,000 for the hospice.

Natalie, 29, from Boorley Green, previously told the Echo how her mother Michelle was diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2021 at 48.

Unfortunately, the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and the family decided that Michelle would be best placed in the care of Mountbatten.

Michelle passed away at Mountbatten on May 28, 2022, only nine months after her diagnosis.

But thanks to the hospices' support, she was able to see her daughter get married.

Amanda Hancock is appealing for donations (Image: Submitted)

Natalie said: “Mum told me during her time there that she looked at the girls looking after her like her own children – they were very special to her.

“They went above and beyond to make mum feel special – they would paint her nails, give her manicures and even helped her choose what she was going to wear on my wedding day."

“They never failed to raise her spirits and the work that all the staff at Mountbatten do is no short of heart-warming and outstanding.”

Amanda and Natalie have now planned an event for 2024 at St Marys with a target of £45,000 and are appealing for donations.

All donations can be sent here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/3te39-help-make-a-difference?