Woman told she was 'too young' to have breast cancer dies aged 31 - just weeks after her wedding day

A woman deemed by doctors to be ‘too young’ to have breast cancer when she went to them aged 29 has tragically died of the illness just weeks after her wedding day.
By Daniel Sheridan
Published 24th Sep 2021, 11:00 GMT
Updated 24th Sep 2021, 11:02 GMT
Liam has urged other women to get tested despite their ageLiam has urged other women to get tested despite their age
Liam has urged other women to get tested despite their age

Sinead Richards, from Leeds, was the picture of happiness when she tied the knot with her partner of 12 years Liam McDonagh, 33, on August 19.

But she died on September 10 aged just 31, just over a year after tests revealed she had stage four breast cancer, which had spread over her body.

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Heartbroken Liam said: “Everyone was smiling all day. She was very unwell but it really showed what she was like, she battled to get there and put on a brave face.

Sinead was thought to be 'too young' to get breast cancerSinead was thought to be 'too young' to get breast cancer
Sinead was thought to be 'too young' to get breast cancer

"It was mind over matter. She got herself there and that is all she wanted. It has had a huge impact on our lives. She was amazing, she was such a lovely person.

"Nobody she ever met had a bad word to say about her, everyone loved her. It is just so tragic. When we were in the hospital, people would give us a second glance as they couldn't believe how young we were. She was only 31, we couldn't believe it.”

Mum-of-two Sinead, a pastoral mentor, found a lump on her breast in late 2019 but put off visiting the doctors for two months as she did not think it would be cancer.

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When she visited the doctors in early 2020, nothing was initially discovered as Sinead was believed to be 'too young' to suffer from breast cancer.

Sinead Richards was the picture of happiness when she tied the knot with her partner of 12 years Liam McDonagh, 33, on August 19.Sinead Richards was the picture of happiness when she tied the knot with her partner of 12 years Liam McDonagh, 33, on August 19.
Sinead Richards was the picture of happiness when she tied the knot with her partner of 12 years Liam McDonagh, 33, on August 19.

But Liam urged Sinead to return to the surgery and tests revealed she had advanced Stage Four breast cancer which had spread all over her body.

Tragically, Sinead died on September 10, less than a month after their wedding, leaving behind Liam and their two daughters, Paige, seven, and Georgie, 10.

Just one in four women survive for more than five years after they are diagnosed with the illness, which is not curable at that stage.

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Now Liam, a builder, has urged other women to get tested despite their age.

She leaves behind their two daughters, Paige, seven, and Georgie, 10.She leaves behind their two daughters, Paige, seven, and Georgie, 10.
She leaves behind their two daughters, Paige, seven, and Georgie, 10.

He added: "If her story helps even one more person to get checked, this will have all been worthwhile. She was the most amazing person.

"I just want to show that this can happen to anyone and urge people to get checked if they ever notice anything."

A fundraiser has been launched on GoFundMe to support the family and help with costs of a funeral which will take place on October 7.

A fun day at a local pub and a canal ride from Leeds to Liverpool have been organised in the fundraising drive – and more than £3,000 has been raised so far.

Visit here to donate.

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