**Swansea Family Shares Heartbreak After Mother’s Cancer Battle Ends in Tragedy**
A family in Swansea is coming to terms with the devastating loss of Leanne Thomas, a much-loved mother of two, who passed away last year following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. The story of Leanne’s illness, her resilience, and the enduring strength of her family has touched many in the local community.
Leanne Thomas, a mother to 22-year-old Ethan Thomas and 19-year-old Halle Smith, first encountered breast cancer in 2018 at the age of 35. After discovering a lump, Leanne underwent a double mastectomy and followed this with a course of chemotherapy. At that time, hopes were high that the family could finally put cancer behind them. For a period, it seemed that the worst was over.
Despite the early optimism, tragedy struck in May 2022 when Leanne began experiencing chest pain. After returning to the breast clinic, further scans revealed the devastating news that her cancer had returned and had spread – this time affecting her spine, ribs, and lungs. The diagnosis signalled a far greater challenge than before, and Leanne once again faced intensive rounds of treatment.
Wales Online interviewed Leanne in mid-2024 during her treatment, where she described the agony of informing her loved ones about the cancer’s return. She confessed that breaking the news was emotionally exhausting, not just for her, but for those closest to her. These candid conversations highlighted the psychological toll serious illness takes on families, reverberating far beyond the patient.
Leanne’s mother, 65-year-old Mandy Thomas, described the period since her daughter’s death as one marked by profound loss and adaptation. “It’s been really difficult, to be honest,” Mandy reflected. “You have to carry on, but it’s a case of taking one day at a time. There are good days and bad days, and then sometimes even worse days, but as a family, we’re slowly getting there.”
Mandy takes comfort from knowing her daughter is now free from pain, after so many gruelling treatments and constant hospital visits. Leanne underwent repeated chemotherapy sessions, numerous MRIs, and radiotherapy – a relentless cycle that took its toll, both physically and emotionally. “She’s no longer suffering,” Mandy shared, which brings some measure of solace.
In the face of such overwhelming loss, the Thomas family have drawn on their strength and the support of a tight-knit community. Leanne’s funeral saw an outpouring of support, with at least 300 people attending to pay their respects. “She was such a well-liked person, and as a family, we’ve become even closer,” Mandy said.
Both Ethan and Halle, though now young adults, have felt their mother’s absence keenly. In a testament to their resilience and commitment to honouring her memory, Ethan has embarked on a 100-mile walk this May, raising money for breast cancer research – an annual tradition driven by hope that others may avoid their family’s heartbreak. The Rhodri Jones Appeal, a local charity, has also contributed £1,000 to Breast Cancer Now in Leanne’s name, furthering work in a cause that meant so much to her.
Mandy speaks with pride about her grandchildren’s ability to cope. She credits Leanne with preparing them for the road ahead. Halle is now pursuing a law degree at Swansea University, while Ethan works as a teaching assistant and aspires to become a teacher. Both are channelling their grief into ambition and progress, echoing their mother’s positive spirit.
Leanne’s family hope she will be remembered not just for her battle with cancer, but for her unwavering optimism throughout. “She always looked on the bright side and tried to lift others up, even when times were hard,” Mandy recalled. Through the pain, they carry forward her memory – an inspiration to all who knew her, and a reminder of the enduring power of hope and community.