Brogan Williams: Tributes to 'inspirational' cancer campaigner, 35

Super mum: The 35-year-old passionately campaigned for breast cancer awareness

A campaigner who raised thousands for cancer charities while suffering from the disease was "inspirational", her family and colleagues said.

Brogan Williams, a nurse at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, died from breast cancer in October aged 35.

The mum of one had raised £5,000 for Coppafeel and regularly updated her 12,000 followers on Instagram about her treatment and campaigning.

Her humour and bravery shone through to the end, her family said.

Ms Williams had a double mastectomy after initially being diagnosed in 2019. However, her cancer returned and in 2021 she was given just two weeks to live.

The staff nurse, who worked on the intensive care unit and gynaecology wards at New Cross Hospital, became a passionate campaigner for breast cancer awareness.

Her Instagram account, Brogan Smashing Secondaries, followed her journey as she completed a 100km walk across Northumberland, as well as hospital visits and family outings.

Before she died, colleagues at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust nominated her for an Exceeding Expectation award.

"Brogan's smile shone through every day in everything she did, even in the face of adversity," Ms Hickman said.

"We felt very strongly that Brogan should have this award to mark her legacy to the trust and nursing profession."

Brogan Williams's colleagues nominated her for an award, which was presented to her family

Sophie Lawley, surgical nurse practitioner, said Ms Williams was "an inspiration to anyone who had the pleasure of working with her".

"She was loved and respected dearly," she added.

"As a co-worker, I have witnessed first-hand the incredible patient care she has provided over the years."

Sandra and Colin

Brogan's mother, Lorraine Starkey, received the award on behalf of her daughter.

"Right up until her very last breath in my arms she was a fighter and touched everyone that met her," she said.

"She fought many years for us all, especially for her eight-year-old daughter Freya, and left us with empty hearts but some wonderful memories."

She said her daughter "made light of every situation", calling her wig Sandra and her drainage pipes Colin.

"That's the type of person she was."

Ms Williams had planned to trek around the Sahara Desert for charity but due to the severity of her illness, she was unable to make it.

Those that made the trek knitted a "mini-Brogan" wearing a superhero cape to take with them, and gave it to Freya when they returned.

Ms Williams's sister, Lauren Jones, is planning to set up a charity to make wigs using real hair for patients with breast cancer.

When her family announced her death on Instagram, they left followers with some final words of her own.

"Never stop anything getting in your way, reach for the stars and smile whilst doing it."