Brave Leona Shinn from Hampshire loses leukaemia fight

Leona Shinn Leona Shinn

A BRAVE Hampshire mum has lost her battle with leukaemia, after suffering from the disease for two years.

Leona Shinn, 28, was given the devastating news that she had cancer in October 2010, just a month after she got married.

Leona, who had worked as a carer at Fleming House in Southampton before her diagnosis, was determined to raise thousands of pounds for charity as she battled cancer.

She organised a children’s fun day in aid of the Daily Echo-backed Red & White Appeal at the Irish Club in Eastleigh just weeks before her death – raising £1,300 for the cause.

Leona, from Sedgwick Road, Bishopstoke, also took part in the Race for Life Twilight in Southampton last month and was planning more fundraising for the Mountbatten Hospice in West End, where she received care.

Leona leaves husband Martin, 33, and children Harry, 4, and Olivia, 5.

Her mother-in-law Sharon Shinn, 50, also from Bishopstoke, said that Leona always put her family first.

She added: “She was the bravest person – she carried on normally and was a brilliant mum to her children.

“The first thing she thought of was always other people and never herself.

“Even at the end she was there cooking for the children, her house was immaculate.

“There’s been lots of time spent in hospital but she just kept fighting.

“We knew the prognosis wasn’t good but it’s still a massive shock.

“She had written everything down for the family.

“She knew she was dying and she was prepared – more prepared than we realised.

“That was just the kind of woman she was.”

Mrs Shinn added: “We’re so proud to have had her in our family – she enhanced everybody’s lives.”

Leona’s funeral takes place on Monday at the Wessex Vale Crematorium in West End at 1.45pm.

Instead of sending flowers, donations should be made to the Countess Mountbatten House hospice.

Comments(12)

Juliek1958 says...
5:44am Fri 9 Nov 12

A very brave woman indeed. Having lost my own daughter almost 10 years ago aged 23 my heart goes out to Leona's family at this very sad time.

Lockssmart says...
7:41am Fri 9 Nov 12

What a sad story.

fieldersd says...
9:04am Fri 9 Nov 12

godbless, what a sad story - thoughts with her family - such a sad cruel world when children so young lose a parent.

buttonsandbrooms456 says...
9:56am Fri 9 Nov 12

Such a brave lady. I can se why her family are so proud of her. Such an inspirational person. My condolences go out to her family and friends who I'm sure will miss her dearly.

ottred says...
3:07pm Fri 9 Nov 12

God bless you. rest in peace.

lavalady says...
7:10pm Fri 9 Nov 12

God bless you rest in peace.

Eljacludeb says...
9:05pm Fri 9 Nov 12

Its always difficult when an illness like this takes away someone so young with a young family! Having lost a sister in law with children at a young age, you always worry what will happen in the future. In time the sadness will hopefully be replaced by memories of the fun you all shared. A brave lady rip!

Doctor Watson says...
3:35pm Sat 10 Nov 12

Terribly sad story. RIP Leona

Redhat says...
9:09am Sun 11 Nov 12

Fly with the angels Leona. R.I.P

saintinpattaya says...
12:42pm Sun 11 Nov 12

R.I.P. Your family are in my prayers. god bless you all. So sad to read.

margie933 says...
2:34pm Sun 11 Nov 12

Oh how so sad! Another angel above to look down on her little ones R.I.P.''
My heart goes out to your Family''

PhilWeldon says...
1:56am Sat 24 Nov 12

Can i say as Leona's Brother and on behalf of all the family and friends, a massive thank you to all people who a=have commented, she moved people when she was alive and continues to do so, thank you all for the kind words and for your love and support. Most of all thank you Leona, you will live on in your actions and our hearts xxx

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