‘We’re heartbroken’ – Tributes for mum-of-two who died after ‘courageous’ cancer battle as friends make emotional plea

AN “INSPIRATIONAL” Belfast mum-of-two has died after a “courageous” battle with cancer.

Sharon Nelson, 47, passed away on January 30, surrounded by her husband Michael and their two children.

A fundraiser has now been organised to help her family in the “difficult road ahead”.

It has been organised by Sharon’s pals, who described her as an “amazing friend and community activist.”

The organisers said: “We are heartbroken that our friend Sharon has left us, we will keep her in our hearts forever.”

They continued: “Michael, Sharon and their kids are absolute legends. They are selfless, hardworking, humble and private.

“Sharon worked tirelessly for the community of west Belfast during her twenty year career in roles within the Falls Community Council and Whiterock Children’s Centre as a community development and family support worker.

“Her work touched the lives of many families across this city and now it is our turn to support her much loved husband and two children.”

The fundraiser told how Sharon had reminded them “continuously” of the proverb: ‘It takes a village to raise a child’.

And it called for donations to help support Sharon’s heartbroken husband and their two children.

The organisers said: “When it comes to a family’s time of need, our community always steps up to play their role.”

They added that any donations will be appreciated and will be a “mark of respect for this incredible woman/warrior, loving, devoted wife/mother and lifelong community activist, that was Sharon Nelson.”

The campaign has raised over £13,000 (€15,000) for her family at the time of writing.

Heartbroken mourners have shared their memories of Sharon on social media.

One wrote: “She was an inspirational woman who fought her illness with such dignity and strength.

‘CHERISHED MEMORIES’

“Sharon was an amazing mum, wife and supported so many in her community through her work.

“I am privileged to have called you my friend but more than that the kindest, most lovely, strong woman. We will cherish memories of our times together with Michael and the kids.”

A death notice for the late mum-of-two added that she was the “daughter of John and Sally Pickering, daughter-in-law of Michael and Vera, loving sister of Stephen, Shauna Rose, John, Claire, Marian and Angela, devoted aunt to all her nieces and nephews.”

Sharon’s funeral was held on Monday at St John’s Church and she was buried in Milltown Cemetery.

The notice added that the family have also asked for donations to be made to the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund For Children.