Freckleton mum-of-two Victoria Howarth dies after five-year battle with rare 'pregnancy cancer'
“Victoria fought bravely and fiercely for every extra second that she got to spend with her beloved daughters and her husband Paul, the love of her life.”
A mum-of-two from Freckleton has died aged 37 after a five-year battle with a rare cancer linked to pregnancy.
Victoria Howarth was first diagnosed with choriocarcinoma in January 2022, but went into remission after undergoing immunotherapy.
Sadly, the cancer returned in 2024 and Victoria was forced to have a hysterectomy. When doctors later found it had spread to her uterine wall, liver, right lung, and ureter, they said she was no longer eligible for further NHS immunotherapy treatment.
In response, her friends and family launched a fundraising campaign, raising nearly £60,000 to help cover the cost of additional treatment.
Despite these efforts, Victoria was admitted to Trinity Hospice in Blackpool earlier this month, where she began receiving end-of-life care.
She sadly died yesterday morning (April 20), surrounded by her loved ones.
In a statement, her family described Victoria as a devoted wife and mother who “fought bravely and fiercely for every extra second” with her daughters, Sienna Mae and Isla, and her husband, Paul.
‘How lucky we were to have shared her beautiful light’
Sharing the tragic update on GoFundMe, they said: “During the past five years Victoria has fought bravely and fiercely for every extra second that she got to spend with her beloved daughters Sienna Mae and Isla and the love of her life, her husband Paul.
“Her devotion to her family was a true testament to who she was as a wife and a mother.
“Victoria's devotion was not limited to only her immediate family, Victoria was an incredible daughter, sister, auntie and friend. She naturally and effortlessly poured love into everyone and everything that she cared about.
“Her empathy, kindness, sharp wit and most of all her humour will leave a void that everyone who knew her will understand and miss.
“Whilst we now have to learn to navigate around her absence, how lucky we were to have shared her beautiful light.”
They also thanked the ‘amazing staff’ at Trinity Hospice in Blackpool, who cared for Victoria and supported the family in her final days, saying “we will be forever grateful for their compassion”.
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They added: “Trinity Hospice in Bispham provided incredible care for Victoria during her two weeks within their care, they treated her with complete care, genuine empathy and dignity throughout.
“Not only were the staff amazing with Victoria but also our family to ensure we were also cared for whilst with her, we will be forever grateful for their compassion.”
Victoria’s family say they will continue to fundraise for Trinity Hospice to thank them for their ‘incredible work’.
You can donate to the family’s fundraising efforts on GoFundMe here.
“We thank you all again for following Victoria's battle, for your messages of support and your donations towards her courageous fight against this cruel disease which took her far too early from us,” they added on GoFundMe.
“Without your help and her bravery we have no doubt we most likely may have not made it to here and are grateful for every extra minute.”