Natasha O’Byrne had used her illness to spread awareness and raise support
Natasha O’Byrne RIP(Image: ICS)
She was just 26 years old when she died shortly before Christmas, but Cork mum Natasha O’Byrne had made a huge difference in terms of raising awareness of the cancer which claimed her life.
The young mother of two from Blackpool died on December 23, surrounded by her family and in the “tender and exceptional care” of the staff at Cork University Hospital. Natasha had organised the ‘Concert for Cancer’ in Cork City Hall in July last year, with headline act Nathan Carter performing to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.
Originally from Innishannon but living with her husband and two young children in Blackpool, Natasha was diagnosed with bowel cancer in November 2024. In July of that year, she had been experiencing severe pains in her chest, and by October she was left in crippling pain.
Natasha was transferred by ambulance to Cork University Hospital, where doctors identified she had pancreatitis and the mum-of-two was hospitalised for two weeks as she underwent a series of scans. The full diagnosis was then made.
Speaking about receiving the heartbreaking diagnosis, Natasha told the Irish Cancer Society earlier this year that both her grandmother and her own mother had cancer. She lost her mother to lung cancer in 2020 when she was just 46 years of age. You can read her full story and support the ICS here.
Natasha said of her own diagnoses: “It was shocking and really harrowing to be told that news, especially at my age.
“My family has been so impacted by cancer, it is truly devastating. It’s one of those things that is out of your hands. I never felt ‘why me’ – I suppose I’ve just had to get on with it.
“My first thoughts were straight to my children. Their quality of life and how do I make sure my treatment has as little affect as possible on them.
“They’re too young to fully understand but they know mummy is sick and that I’m taking medicine to try get better. Like myself, my family have been there through cancer and they have really rallied round to support me.”
Natasha O’Byrne with her children Emilija (6) and Max (5) (Image: ICS)
Following her diagnosis, Natasha began to fundraise for the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), who gave her their invaluable support during her cancer journey. The ICS has previously helped both her mother and grandmother in their battles against cancer.
Natasha said: “We lost mam in 2020 to lung cancer. She passed away just six weeks after her diagnosis at the age of 46. Now, I find myself in my mid-20s living with bowel cancer. It’s very hard to take but you have to get on with it. I want to turn my cancer experience into something positive. I’m the third generation of my family to have cancer and I don’t want that same thing happening to my children. For that day to come when hopefully nobody gets cancer, organisations like the Irish Cancer Society need funding so they can invest more and more in cancer research.”
Natasha sadly passed away on December 23, with the ICS leading the tributes to the Cork cancer campaigner.
“We are devastated to hear of the passing of Natasha O’Byrne just before Christmas. Our thoughts are with Natasha’s husband, her young children, her family, friends and neighbours,” they said in a statement.
“Faced with an advanced bowel cancer diagnosis at such a young age, Natasha’s incredible strength and commitment to make a difference shone through when she organised a ‘Concert for Cancer’ this past summer in Cork City Hall in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.
The young mum helped organise the Concert for Hope, which took place at Cork City Hall in July, headlined by country star Nathan Carter – all in aid of the ICS.
“We were blown away by her energy, dedication and sense of purpose in such difficult circumstances. She lit up every room she was in.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
A close friend of Natasha’s said: “Deepest condolences to Rad, Emilija Max and all the O’Byrne family on the sad loss of Natasha. She was always so lovely to meet on the school walk, alway in great humour, in spite of everything she was dealing with. An inspirational young woman. Thinking of her husband, adored children, Dad, brother and all her family and friends at this very sad time. May she rest in peace.”
While another padl added: “Rest in peace Natasha,you were such a beautiful person and an inspiration to so many people, always so positive in life, you’re in the arms of your mother now, praying for your family and kids at this difficult time.”
Natasha’s funeral was held in the Church of the Annunciation in her native Blackpool on December 27, with mourners donning bright colours in the cancer campaigner’s honour.