After hearing the sad news that Denise McAllister, wife of former Liverpool midfielder Gary, had died from her illness, many people were wondering what they could do to show their condolences. One way we felt would be appropriate would be to make a donation to a charity that the McAllisters supported – Breast Cancer Care.
Mrs McAllister was 34 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer, in 2000. She was seven months pregnant with her son Oliver, now five, when it was discovered during routine examinations. She sacrificed her own health for that of her unborn son, although doctors did eventually manage to persuade her to let them induce him three weeks early. The couple also have another son, Jake who’s now ten.
In the end she had to undergo a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She was in remission for three years during which time she started to do work as an ambassador for Breast Cancer Care. She also took part in a star-studded charity fashion show in 2002, which was also attended by Cherie Blair. It was in 2003 that she suffered a relapse which lead to Gary leaving his job as boss of Coventry. Recently though she had been thought to be getting better once more.
A spokesperson for Breast Cancer Care, Stephanie Jacobs, had many nice things to say about Denise: “She was very generous in telling her personal story in order to help people at that time and she continued to raise awareness of our charity and what we do in subsequent years. Everyone at Breast Cancer Care, especially those of us who met her, would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Denise’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
If you would like to make a donation to Breast Cancer Care , please visit their website at http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=88.