Woman, 28, told she had colitis dies of cancer two weeks before her wedding

01 September 2023 , 10:37

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Ruby Rogers died of bowel cancer aged just 28 (Image: Hull Daily Mail / MEN Media)

A devastated mother has honoured her "caring and brave" daughter who died of bowel cancer at the age of 28 - just two weeks before she was meant to get married.

Kath Rogers fondly remembers Ruby, who passed away on August 23, as someone who "lived life to the full" despite her journey with her illness. The university graduate, of Dairycoates, Hull, will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, her mother said.

She added: "Ruby was the most fun-loving girl who lived life to the full. A few weeks ago she said the chemo had better work as she was not ready to go anywhere. She just loved life."

Ruby's love for animals was evident in her affection for her two bunnies and her kitten, Crunchie, whom she adopted just three weeks before her passing. Kath is now caring for Crunchie in Ruby's memory.

Ruby and her mum Kath pose in their garden in Hull (Hull Daily Mail / MEN Media)

The university graduate was due to get married in just two weeks (Hull Daily Mail / MEN Media)

A beloved figure at the Job Centre where she worked, Ruby was adored by her colleagues for her willingness to help others. Kath added: "She was so bubbly and just the most lovely girl. She never wanted to know how long she had left, none of us did. She just wanted to live as long as possible."

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Ruby's personal life was also filled with joy. She had recently got engaged to her university sweetheart, Vic. The couple had planned to marry in 2025, but due to her illness, they had moved their wedding date forward to September 5, sadly just two weeks after Ruby's passing.

Kath told Hull Live: "Ruby was over the moon when she got engaged. She had initially planned to tie the knot in 2025 after saving up, but fate had other plans and the wedding was expedited."

Dove House Hospice had generously offered to provide seating and a marquee, while our family friend Lynne purchased the wedding dress Ruby had her heart set on. A kind-hearted photographer volunteered their services free of charge, and a local florist pledged to donate flowers. Ruby was eagerly anticipating her big day, but sadly, it wasn't meant to be."

Despite undergoing chemotherapy, Ruby discovered her cancer spread to other parts of her body (Hull Daily Mail / MEN Media)

Her mum says "there will never be another Ruby" (Hull Daily Mail / MEN Media)

Dove House Hospice took to Facebook to pay a touching tribute to Ruby, shedding light on how the community rallied together to support Ruby and Vic in planning their special day. Their post read: "We are deeply saddened to share the news that Ruby, the radiant bride-to-be whose wedding was slated for September 5, passed away surrounded by her loved ones. She was an extraordinarily kind and compassionate young woman who didn't deserve this battle.

"However, she was blessed with an incredibly supportive network of family and friends who ensured she was comfortable and well-cared for, which is truly invaluable. Her family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love shown to them and for the generous offers of support from the community, all aimed at creating a memorable wedding day for the couple."

In her final months, Ruby made it a point to raise awareness about bowel cancer and encouraged people to consult their GP or medical professional if they suspected they may have been misdiagnosed. She was initially misdiagnosed with colitis. It took seven long months and a CT scan to confirm the devastating truth - she had bowel cancer.

Back in June, Ruby displayed her fighting spirit, saying: "I'm not going to give up yet, myself and my family are looking at alternative medicines as there's so much proof out there of people being told they are incurable and trying alternative natural remedies and then the cancer disappearing."

She urged others to be vigilant about their health, warning, "Please don't let doctors push this off as IBS or anything else if you have symptoms. Early diagnosis is so important. It's hard to get GPs to listen, trust me it really, really is."

Kath said life without her beloved daughter is incredibly challenging. However, she finds solace in the memories of her exceptional child. "I held Ruby's hand in her final moments while Vic held the other," she said. "Her sister Lisa was also there along with her dad and some cousins. We take comfort from being there at the end."

Kath fondly remembered Ruby's compassionate nature, saying, "Ruby just cared about people. I just love her so much and there will never be another Ruby."

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James Campbell