Laura Nuttall: Campaigner who lived with terminal brain cancer for five years dies
A "tenacious" 23-year-old brain cancer campaigner who raised tens of thousands of pounds for research into the disease has died at the age of 23.
Laura Nuttall, from Barrowford, was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme at the age of 18, after going for a routine eye test.
For the last five years, Laura raised awareness of the disease and fundraised for charities dedicated to finding a cure and supporting others with brain cancer.
In a post on Twitter on Monday, 22 May, Laura's mum, Nicole, wrote: "I'm heartbroken to share the news that we lost our beautiful Laura in the early hours of this morning.
"She was fierce and tenacious to the end & it was truly the honour of my life to be her mum.
"We are devastated at the thought of life without our girl, she was a force of nature."
Since her diagnosis in 2018, Laura and her family had been campaigning for more research into brain cancers.
Laura passed away with the same form of brain cancer as The Wanted singer Tom Parker, from Bolton and who died last year.
They received great support from Bolton comedian Peter Kay, who put on three special gigs in August 2021 in aid of a fund to raise money for Laura's treatment in Germany.
Kay returned to the stage after a break from the public eye, where delighted audiences gave him a standing ovation as his matinee set began.
In November 2022, the Bolton comedian then treated Laura and mum Nicola for a surprise lunch at the White Swan in Fence near Burnley, before Laura resumed radiotherapy.
Laura’s dad worked with Peter at ITV Granada in Manchester, and says he called as soon as he heard Laura was ill.
His visits always ‘lift everyone’s mood’ and he ‘makes them all laugh', he added.
Laura's father, Mark Nuttall, also paid tribute to his daughter in a post on Twitter.
"He said: She leaves a huge chasm behind & we have now to find some way of filling that void.
"But we will and we’ll continue to support the charities & beliefs which were very dear and important to Laura.
"Thank you to all of you for your love, support and help over the past 4.5 years."
Laura was an ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity, who her family say have been an incredible support.
In a statement, the charity said: “Laura had a special place in the hearts of all our Young Ambassadors, themselves an integral part of The Brain Tumour Charity.
“They help us to raise awareness of brain tumours and are passionate about changing the future for those affected. Laura became key to the group’s continued success.
“Her loss is a fierce reminder of why we must move further, faster every day in the battle against brain tumours, so that other families do not have to endure this kind of heartbreak in the future.
“We are committed to fighting for all those people whose lives are turned upside down by this devastating disease.
"We will continue to do this for everyone affected, and we will continue to do this to honour Laura.
“She was unique and she was loved by so many."
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