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 .
