Heartbreaking tragedy as parents of two young girls die from cancer just 7 days apart

Devastating loss

The world has been left in shock after the tragic passing of Nigel Joyce and his wife Marjan, who died just seven days apart from cancer. Nigel, diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour two years ago, passed away on May 31. His wife Marjan, who battled triple negative breast cancer that had spread to her brain, followed on June 6.

A family torn apart

The couple, survived by their two young daughters aged 4 and 8, faced an unimaginably challenging time over the past two years as they both fought their respective battles with cancer. Nigel's health took a turn for the worse on April 25, leading to end-of-life care with his sister by his side. Marjan, despite undergoing treatment, experienced vision loss and seizures before being placed in hospice care.

Remembering Nigel and Marjan

Family friend Angela Hawkins fondly recalled Marjan's quirky sense of humor and Nigel's playful energy, describing them as dedicated parents who loved life and cherished their family deeply. Despite their struggles, the couple remained strong, united, and resilient, showing everyone the true meaning of love and dedication.

Support for the family

A fundraising page has been set up to support the grieving family during this difficult time. A joint funeral is scheduled to take place, bringing loved ones together to honor the memory of Nigel and Marjan.

Understanding the diseases

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, with about 3 in 20 cases attributed to it. Leptomeningeal disease, a rare complication where cancer cells spread to the brain, affects around 4% of women with breast cancer. Additionally, triple negative breast cancer, like Marjan's, accounts for about 15 out of 100 cases, characterized by the absence of specific hormone receptors.

Brain tumors, like the one Nigel battled, affect around 16,000 people in the UK each year, with only 12% surviving beyond five years post-diagnosis.