A COMMUNITY has raised thousands of pounds in memory of a woman who died from cancer last year.

Friends and neighbours of care worker Lynzie Holloway, who died of breast cancer aged just 38, have raised over £2,600 to help others fighting the disease.

Lynzie, from Bearwood, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013.

She underwent surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy and received the all-clear in 2014.

But when she returned to hospital for reconstructive surgery, her cancer was found to have spread.

Lynzie’s best friend Jodie Brooks, said: “Lynzie had finally got her life back on track after her treatment.

“She was married to the love of her life Garry, and even her hair had grown back, so the news her cancer had come back was shattering.

“Even so, she wasn’t going to let it beat her and she had chemotherapy again and also joined a drug trial. She told us she was going to kick cancer for good.”

Sadly, in October 2016, Lynzie was told her cancer was terminal.

Jodie continued: “Throughout everything Lynzie never asked ‘Why me?’

“She insisted on being at home in her final weeks, and when her friends and family visited her, she wouldn’t say anything about herself, she just wanted to know how we all were.”

Lynzie died just six weeks later on November 30.

Jodie said: “It was a terrible blow for everyone, especially Garry and Lynzie’s family.

“We lost her so quickly.

“All we can be thankful for was that we had her in our lives for as long as we did and that she didn’t suffer for long.”

In the final months of her life, Lynzie was helped by the charity Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

DCCF gives financial assistance to families facing cancer in Dorset, giving grants to pay for everything from short breaks and counselling, to transport costs and household bills.

DCCF helped Lynzie and Garry pay their mortgage.

Jodie said: “Lynzie couldn’t work and Garry was caring for her and so it was a huge weight off their minds to know that they weren’t getting into mortgage arrears. They were so grateful to DCCF.”

Lynzie, Garry and Jodie were members of the popular Bearwood Social Club in King John Avenue.

In honour of Lynzie and to raise money for DCCF, the club staged a community fundraising day with the adjoining Bearwood Community Centre, featuring a barbecue, stalls and live music from David Marks and the band Power Thief. The event attracted 150 people and raised £2,698,72.

Bearwood Social Club member and DCCF fundraiser Gwen Dale, said: “It was an extremely emotional day for everyone, but it was also very inspiring to see so many people come together to do something really good in Lynzie’s memory.”

Lynzie’s mum and dad, Paul and Christine Samson also attended the event.

Mr Samson said: “It was amazing to see so many people come and show their love for Lynzie.

“We are extremely proud – and I know Lynzie would be too – that the money raised will go to help other families experiencing cancer. She would have really loved that.”