Remembering Sylvia: family’s funeral collection honours mother’s 30-year cancer journey

A family from Rotherham have collected much-appreciated funds for Weston Park Cancer Charity through a funeral collection for their beloved mum, Sylvia.

Sylvia passed away earlier this year at the age of 90, and her life was celebrated with a service at Rotherham Crematorium.

Her family chose to support our charity because of the care Sylvia received at Weston Park Cancer Centre after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

The collection was divided between Weston Park Cancer Charity and Guide Dogs for the Blind, as Sylvia was registered partially sighted five years ago.

Sylvia’s story

Sylvia was born on the 13th of December 1934 in Rawmarsh, Rotherham. She was the middle child of three. After secondary school, she went to work in a sewing factory where she made uniforms for the armed forces.

At the age of 15, she met Ernest. After only a few weeks the pair knew that they wanted to get married. They became husband and wife on the 30th of October 1954 at Dalton Parish Church in Rotherham.

Sylvia and Ernest went on to have two children, Sharon and Michael. As well as caring for the children full-time, Sylvia enjoyed staying active by dancing, swimming, cycling, and playing bowls.

Although she was known for having a quiet demeanour, Sylvia was very social and loved having company. She was never happier than when she was looking after her four grandchildren.

Sylvia’s contribution to cancer research

Sylvia was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1994 and was given the devastating news that she had just three weeks to live.

The doctors at Weston Park Cancer Centre asked whether she would like to take part in a clinical trial, which was exploring the impact of a new drug called carboplatin.

Image: Sylvia's original appointment card and hospital book.

Sylvia enrolled, hoping that her participation would help others in the future. Happily, the trial was a success, and the new drug helped to extend Sylvia’s life by 30 years.

In February 2024, Sylvia’s daughter Sharon was diagnosed with peritoneal cancer and is currently being cared for at Weston Park Cancer Centre. After going through major surgery, Sharon is now being treated with carboplatin – the very same drug that her mum received through a clinical trial all those years ago.

Speaking about the family’s decision to support Weston Park Cancer Charity, Sharon and her husband Terry said:

“We’re grateful for the excellent care and support that we receive from everyone at Weston Park Cancer Centre and the charity.

“We can’t thank you enough and will continue to support you where we can.”

Melissa Erwin, Legacy and In Memory Fundraising Manager at Weston Park Cancer Charity said:

“We’d like to offer our sincere condolences to Sylvia’s family and friends, and thank them for their generosity.

“We were very moved by Sylvia’s story and touched by her family’s thoughtful donation in her memory.

“During her lifetime, Sylvia made an incredible contribution to cancer research which has benefited countless people. This collection continues that legacy.”

If you have recently lost a friend or a loved one to cancer, then our bereavement support services are here to help. Find out more at westonpark.org.uk/bereavement-support

For more information on how to organise an in memory donation, visit westonpark.org.uk/in-memory