‘Proud to call her a friend’: Community appeal for family of Leeds mum after sudden cancer tragedy
A community is rallying around the family of a devoted Allerton Bywater mum, Katy Powell, who sadly passed away just ten weeks after receiving a devastating metastatic bowel cancer diagnosis.
Katy, 36, a mother-of-four, leaves behind her husband Dan and four children: Noah, Dylan, Edith, and Anna. Now, friends at Allerton Bywater Miners FC have launched a fundraising campaign to give Dan "financial breathing space" to focus on helping his children navigate life without their "selfless mum."
The campaign, organised by James Percy and Allerton Bywater Miners FC, hopes to exceed the £6,000 target to ensure the family is not burdened by financial worries or funeral costs, preventing Dan from having to return to work too soon.
James said: "I don't have the words to say how much I appreciated her help with our team over the years but more than anything, I'm just really proud to have been able to call her a friend."
Katy’s dedication to others shone through even in her final months, he explained. Following her diagnosis, and while receiving "truly wonderful care" at the Prince of Wales Hospice in Pontefract, she managed to raise over £7,000 for the care home in just one month.
"She was to put it simply, a very quiet, unassuming devoted mother whose selflessness was something rarely seen in life," James noted.
The Allerton Bywater junior football club, where Katy's son, Noah, plays for the U17s team, is feeling the loss deeply. Even in the face of immense grief, the family’s courage was on display when Katy's two nephews, Eli and Seb, bravely stepped onto the pitch for the U12s and U9s teams just hours after her passing on Friday, November 7, James said.
Mr. Percy spoke of Katy's invaluable support for the football club: "I was eternally grateful to have been able to award her with our supporter of the year trophy last week... especially in making sure the club's 1st tour in Europe was as successful and memorable as it was."
The immediate focus is now on supporting her grieving family. "After speaking with Dan who has given me his blessing to allow us to endeavour to help the family navigate through the loss of Katy in any way possible," Mr. Percy said.
You can support the Powell family through the gofund.me page.