A DUNDEE woman’s long-running battle against cancer showed there is hope for people who suffer from the condition, her son says.
Ross Stewart was speaking after the disease claimed the life of his mother Norma (57) 22 years after her diagnosis.
“She was nothing short of amazing and an inspiration to everyone,” said Ross (36). “She bore her illness with tremendous courage and good spirit. She had to put up with an awful lot but she had this great determination to deal with whatever happened and try to recover and get on with her life.
“Her attitude was: ‘Ok, I’ve got cancer but I’ve still got my life to live and I’m going to live it”.”
The Dundee University clerical worker was a busy working mother when she went through the first of two mastectomy operations.
As the cancer spread, her life became a punishing schedule of chemotherapy and remission and in one spell of treatment she had to tolerate the extra burden of swine flu.
Undaunted, she got on with life and had the spirit and courage to counsel other sufferers.
Educated at West March Primary and Kirkton High Schools, she first worked in the Co-op grocery store and after Ross was born she went to work for Dundee University.
She was first in the finance department and later in the student registry but after 19 years she found working more challenging and decided to spend more time at home.
With husband Derek she enjoyed an anniversary cruise in November round the Canaries, where they had spent their honeymoon.
On their return her health deteriorated and she was admitted to Ninewells Hospital last Wednesday. She gave up her brave fight in the early hours of Monday.
Ross added: “My mum led life by example. We are also so grateful to the nurses and doctors at ward 32.”
The Stewarts said they would love the story of Norma’s life to encourage other people who are suffering from cancer and that would be a fitting legacy.
A highlight of her life came in 2001 when she won the Weakest Link on BBC2. She fought off seven other contestants to claim the jackpot prize of £3,360.
The show was, in light-hearted vein, a themed edition featuring people who do “jobs you love to hate.”
The acerbic Anne was not nearly as scary in real life.
Norma said afterwards: “She’s not as serious as she looks. She gave me a hug of congratulations afterwards and had a laugh with all the contestants.”
The Stewarts lived in the Gotterstone area and Norma is also survived by her sister Anne.
aargo@thecourier.co.uk