'She’s the best mum they could ask for': Fundraiser launched for Leeds mum-of-two with just weeks to live

A fundraiser has been launched for the family of a Leeds mum-of-two who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Emma Hoult, 35, pictured with sons Harry and JackEmma Hoult, 35, pictured with sons Harry and Jack
Emma Hoult, 35, pictured with sons Harry and Jack

Emma Hoult, 35, has just weeks to live after being diagnosed with a brain tumour and secondary cancer on her liver and lungs.

She will leave behind her husband, Tony, and two sons - Harry, eight, and four-year-old Jack.

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The family, from Morley, have been flooded with support from the local community and a friend has launched a fundraising campaign for Emma's two young boys.

A JustGiving page has been launched - raising money for Tony, Harry and Jack to make memories togetherA JustGiving page has been launched - raising money for Tony, Harry and Jack to make memories together
A JustGiving page has been launched - raising money for Tony, Harry and Jack to make memories together

Emma was first diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in June 2017 and was given the 'all clear' a year later following treatment.

There was an 80 per cent chance that the cancer would return.

Tragically, Emma was diagnosed with terminal cancer this June and has been given just weeks to live after chemotherapy to prolong her life was unsuccessful.

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Emma's family are backing a campaign to give cancer patients a full body scan before they are given the 'all clear' or 'no evidence of active disease' verdict.

They believe the cancer could have been spotted sooner if Emma was given a full body scan along with the regular mammograms that she received.

Under current NHS practice, not all cancer patients receive full body scans before an 'all clear' verdict due to funding restrictions and the potential harmful effects of the scans.

Emma's sister, Olivia Wells, said Emma has been admitted to St James's Hospital this morning and her condition is deteriorating.

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Olivia, 24, said: “We’ve been told none of the chemo has worked and the tumour has progressed immensely.

“They’ve told us she’s got just weeks to live, but after going into hospital today it doesn’t look like she has that long. There’s nothing they can do for her now.

“The boys aren’t allowed to visit her in hospital, her husband couldn’t even go in with her this morning.

“It’s obviously never a good time, but this is the worst time it could have happened with coronavirus.”

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Emma has been creating special memories with her family and friends over the last few months, enjoying a caravan holiday in Filey, a trip to York and Sunday dinners with all the family.

She is receiving care from staff at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice but hopes to stay at home unless her pain becomes unmanageable.

Olivia has been astounded by the bravery of her sister, who has written birthday and Christmas cards for her two sons for every year.

Olivia added: “She’s the best mum they could ask for, she’s always given them everything she can and teaches them good manners and morals.

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“She’s a very caring person, she’s written letters for the children and her husband and birthday and Christmas cards for every year.

“My mum turns 60 soon and she’s written a card for her birthday.

“She’s just accepted it really and I think I can count the amount of times she’s got upset on one hand, she’s so brave.

“You feel so helpless, there’s nothing you can do or anything you can say. There’s no comforting anyone as it’s just such cruel circumstances.”

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A close family friend, Bryony Kidger, has launched a JustGiving page to raise money for Tony, Harry and Jack.

She will take on a six mile walk at the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail in November, along with Emma's family and friends, to help reach their target of £2,000.

Bryony is also organising a raffle and donations have already poured in from local salons, shops and businesses in Morley where Emma is well-known and loved.

Bryony, 24, said: “The support has been unbelievable. The original target was £1,000, as I know people are struggling at the moment with Covid, but we’ve got up to that in two days.

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“Emma is one of the strongest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and I want to make sure her boys and Tony can continue to make amazing memories in the future.

“Emma always wanted to take the boys to Disney, so I hope that could be something the boys can look forward to next year.”

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