Daniella Thackray was only 25 when she passed away after battling a rare type of cancer with characteristic determination. Her final message, prepared ahead of time, has ignited a wave of inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many and challenging us to find strength in vulnerability.
In an incredibly moving and powerful message shared posthumously on her Facebook page, Daniella Thackray left a lasting legacy of love, strength, and resilience in the face of a terminal illness.
Entrusted to her family, her final words began with a somber acknowledgment, “If you’re reading this then it means I have died,” marking the start of a message filled with profound reflections, gratitude, and a heart-wrenching goodbye to her loved ones, especially her fiancé, Tom Calvert.
Daniella’s battle with cancer was one marked not by choices but by the unforeseeable cruelty of fate. Diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that originates in the bile ducts, she faced a condition with elusive causes and no known cure.
Despite the devastating diagnosis, her perspective remained incredibly optimistic. Daniella emphasized the importance of research in combating this “horrid cruel disease,” hopeful for future advancements that could save others.
Her approach to the disease was not one of resignation but of unwavering determination to cherish every moment left. Daniella’s philosophy was to celebrate life’s small joys and to “Romanticise your life! Do whatever makes you happy and don’t let anyone take the joy of life away from you.”
She recounted her profound love for her life, including her job, her fiancé, her family, friends, and her dog, Leo, who brought light into her darkest days, “I LOVED my life. Everything I had achieved was what I wanted. I loved my job, my fiancé, my family, my friends, and my dog, and the house we were going to buy and the future we were making for ourselves.”
She then went on to quote Winnie the Pooh,” “If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.”
One of the most touching aspects of Daniella’s journey was the unwavering support she received from Tom, who stood by her side through every challenge, including her surgery. And she did not shy away from expressing her love and gratitude for him.
In her heartfelt farewell, Daniella directly addressed Tom, encapsulating their deep bond and the pain of parting with, “Tom, I love you and always will. Thank you for supporting me and bringing so much love and happiness into my life. Go enjoy your life now, you deserve it.” The pair got engaged in January and shared photos of the big day on Facebook.
Six months before her passing, Daniella shared photos: one of herself sitting on her hospital bed, one of a breathtakingly radiant bouquet, one of the wards where she was admitted, J83, and one with Tom.
“Liver resection and gallbladder surgery complete ✅ Now to rest, recover, and learn to walk again,” she wrote, expressing gratitude towards, not only Tom but her team for their support throughout her cancer journey.
They provided her with a foundation of strength, allowing her to focus on recovery and the cherished moments of togetherness. She also hoped she would be back to reading employment law updates in no time!
Her final Facebook post, which was also shared on her LinkedIn page received plenty of response from her fans, but her fiance’s words stood out the most. He praised her incredible bravery, determination, and the positive impact she had on everyone around her, “My beautiful brave fiancé, you continue to inspire so many others like you inspired me each day to keep going.”
He acknowledged the unjust nature of her premature departure while celebrating the beautiful life she led. He highlighted how Daniella’s employer provided exceptional support, enabling her to make lasting memories with loved ones during her remaining time.
In his words, Daniella was “the most ambitious, intelligent, and professional person I have ever met,” a testament to her enduring spirit and passion for life. He ended the post with a touching declaration of his love,” I miss you Daniella and I’m so incredibly proud of you now and forever ❤️.”
On March 3, only days after Daniella’s message hit Facebook, Tom took to the platform once again to share his reflections and a call to action in the wake of her passing. He highlighted the brutal reality of Cholangiocarcinoma, an uncommon and formidable cancer that often emerges without clear causes and lacks a definitive cure.
Expressing fervent hope, Tom wished for increased research efforts in the future to combat this devastating illness and save more lives. He also encouraged donations to this cause, grateful for any support that can help advance this critical research.
Inspired by the impact of her narrative, a fundraising page was established in support of AMMF to contribute to research in finding a cure for Cholangiocarcinoma, fulfilling one of Daniella’s last hopes.
The absence of Daniella has been profoundly challenging for Tom, yet the global response to her story has brought some comfort. “The last few days without her have been so difficult, but it has really helped to see how much her story has inspired people around the world,” he wrote.
Daniella’s final message and Tom’s response not only offer a window into their journey together but also serve as a beacon of hope and resilience for others navigating the treacherous waters of terminal illness.
Her life though cut short at 25, was lived with an intensity and love that continues to resonate, inspiring others to find joy in every moment and to face life’s challenges with bravery and love.
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