Heartbreaking letter from 39-year-old Leeds woman who has died following cancer battle

Gemma Sisson, a former project manager who loved the gym, was diagnosed with incurable secondary cancer in September 2019 just months after being given the verdict of 'no evidence of active disease'.

Supported by her close friends, she spearheaded a campaign to change NHS practice to give cancer patients a full body scan before being given the 'all clear'.

The petition has reached more than 100,000 signatures.

Sadly, Gemma's condition deteriorated early this year and she was cared for at a Sue Ryder Hospice in Leeds during her final months.

Gemma penned a heart-wrenching letter to her friends, family and supporters which has been shared on social media following her death.

The post read: "If this is being posted it means I’ve finally died after weeks of clinging on far too long.

"Although I’ll be heartbroken to leave behind all my loved ones I’ll be so glad to get away from what this disease has left me as.

"I really hope that by sharing my cancer story and petitioning for secondary cancers scans to be made mandatory I’ve made a positive impact, and even if only one person gets some help from this then I will feel like I have accomplished something good."

In the letter, Gemma thanked her partner Ricky Moore who supported her through her illness.

The post continued: "I really can’t thank Rick enough who has been by side all the way and given me an amazing amount of love and support throughout this horrific time.

"I want all my loved ones to know that the pain and suffering has now stopped and I am now finally at peace.

"I am also grateful for all the support I have received from all of my followers on social media.

"If anyone is going to take anything from this, it is that life is short and that we all think these sort of things will never happen to us.

"Well I thought that, and let me tell you now, this could happen to anyone of you reading this.

"So live your life to the fullest, don;t take anything or anyone for granted because none of us really know what is around the corner.

"But I am definitely glad that my time is now up, see you on the flip side!"

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890.

We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382 Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins Editor