#HoldAmysHand: Woman whose battle against cancer inspired thousands to donate dies aged 37
LOCAL EXPAT, Brits in LA member and showbusiness journalist Amy Watts passed away this week, finally succumbing to the colon cancer against which she had battled so bravely.
Amy’s valiant fight against the killer disease following her diagnosis last year has inspired countless others around the globe, and the internet movement Hold Amy’s Hand raised more than £100,000 to allow her to fly back to Britain for pioneering treatment. Sadly, Amy’s condition worsened before she could have the operation and she passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Amy’s death was announced on her fundraising Facebook page. The post read: “We’re sorry to announce that our darling Amy passed away peacefully at 2am this morning.
“She was surrounded by her family and a lot of love.
Amy’s cause had looked hopeless last summer when her doctors found the cancer had spread to her liver and she was quickly put on a course of chemotherapy.
But Amy’s condition worsened and an operation planned for December was cancelled.
But while home visiting family in the UK Amy sought a second opinion and was offered a glimmer of hope via a pioneering – and hugely expensive – treatment at a private hospital in Leeds.
Needing to raise £70,000, Amy’s friends rallied round and launched an internet campaign using social media and the hashtag #holdamyshand, which quickly went viral and enjoyed endorsements from celebrities including Russell Crowe and Simon Cowell.
With help from friends and well wishers around the globe – and a little help from Virgin Atlantic – Amy was able to get back to England for the operation, while her campaign raised an astonishing £100,000.
In a message on the campaign website, Amy’s friends wrote: “Amy Watts – our good friend, journalist, raconteur, comedienne, wearer of unique fashion, sparkly shoes and many hats, Dr Who, Suede and Beatles obsessive, daughter, sister and mad auntie – needs a hand to hold right now.
“So it’s time to give her ours.”
Amy was truly stunned by the outpouring of support she received, with stars including Matt Goss, Kylie Minogue, Barry Gibb and a whole host of others tweeting and retweeting about her plight while thousands donated to her fund.
Music and TV mogul Simon Cowell tweeted to his 11.3 million followers: “Amy Watts, a lovely young woman I first met more than 10 years ago needs our support.”
Tracey Neville, sister of former Man United footballers Gary and Phil, also tweeted her support as she went to school with Amy in Bury, Greater Manchester.
“Amy Watts a girl who me n Phil Neville went 2 school with has stage 4 cancer & needs £100,000 for a lifesaving op. Please support,” she wrote.
Her campaign had raised more than £100,000 but her supporters refused to rest on their laurels with some pledging to take part in naked swims or sponsored bike rides to up the total.
But sadly Amy’s condition deteriorated before she was able to benefit from the pioneering surgery.
The post announcing Amy’s death concluded: “This may come as a shock to many: sadly, over the past few weeks Amy’s condition had worsened and she was unable to have the operation you all worked so hard towards.
“Thank you to everyone who held her hand and showed her just how special she is.
“Our thoughts go out to her family and friends at this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace Amy.”
