Woman mistook d.eadly illness for perimenopause

“The care Laura received at home from St Christopher’s carers meant she could spend her final two weeks comfortably and with dignity,” Ben said. “During the nearly three weeks she spent at the hospice, she was treated with extraordinary compassion. That care made her last days peaceful and meaningful. We will always be grateful that something so positive could come from such a painful situation.”

Reflecting on her experience before her death, Dawson said, “Some of the happiest days of my life have been in these last few weeks. As a society, we avoid talking about dying.

“When we do that, we reinforce fear around death. People assume dying must always be painful or traumatic, but that isn’t necessarily true.

“Deep down, we all know our lives will end. Cancer forced me to face that reality. Since then, I’ve lived more fully than ever before—and that has been a gift.”

She passed away surrounded by love, knowing she was deeply cared for.