‘You’re in the arms of your mother now’ – Cancer campaigner and mum dies aged just 26 surrounded by family at Christmas

Sadly, the beautiful mum is the third generation of her family to be diagnosed with cancer – her grandmother had breast cancer and her mother died in 2020 at age 46 from lung cancer
A MOTHER of two and campaigner who was diagnosed with bowel cancer just over a year ago has died surrounded by her family in hospital.

Beautician Natasha O’Byrne was just 26 when she tragically passed away in Cork University Hospital on December 23.

Despite her illness Natasha, from Blackpool in Cork city but originally from Innishannon in the county, campaigned to make people aware of the importance of getting tested for cancer.

She appealed to all ages to get themselves tested for the cancer, which sees 2,500 cases in Ireland annually – one in 10 from people under 50.

Natasha was one of the main organisers of the recent Concert For Cancer featuring Nathan Carter.

Sadly, the beautiful mum is the third generation of her family to be diagnosed with cancer – her grandmother had breast cancer and her mother died in 2020 at age 46 from lung cancer.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner earlier this year Natasha said it was a traumatic experience to learn she had cancer in November last year.

She said about first meeting her oncologist: “He did say I needed to begin chemotherapy as soon as possible so they could attack the cancer as quickly as they could.

“For myself, my own mental health and my kids I focus more on the positives. It doesn’t mean blocking out the negatives. It’s OK to sit and deal with the negative too, but in small doses.”

And in a blog on the Irish Cancer Society website she said: “I find myself in my mid 20s living with bowel cancer. It’s very hard to take but you have to get on with it.

“I want to turn my cancer experience into something positive. I’m the third generation of my family to have cancer and I don’t want the same thing happening to my children.

“For that day to come when hopefully nobody gets cancer, organisations like the Irish Cancer Society need funding so they can invest more and more in cancer research. That’s why I decided to organise Concert For Cancer.”

‘WEAR BRIGHT COLOURS’ PLEA

In her death notice posted on rip.ie, her family are asking those attending Natasha’s funeral “to wear bright colours in her honour”.

Her death notice reads: “On 23rd December 2025, peacefully after an illness bravely borne, surrounded by her loving family and in the tender and exceptional care of the staff of GB Ward, Cork University Hospital, NATASHA, Main Street, Innishannon and late of Farrancleary Place, Blackpool.

“Dearly beloved wife of Rad, adored and much loved mother of Emilija and Max, dearly loved daughter of Anthony and the late Tracy, loving sister of Roy and the late Michael, cherished granddaughter of Marie and daughter-in-law of Jasenka.

“Sadly missed by her loving family, aunts, uncles, grandaunts, granduncles, cousins, neighbours and a large circle of friends.

‘INSPIRATION TO SO MANY’

“Reposing at Coughlan’s Funeral Home, Shandon Street on Friday (St. Stephen’s Day) from 1.00pm, family in attendance at 3.00pm with Prayers at 4.00pm.

“Requiem Mass on Saturday (27th December) at 10.00am in the Church of the Annunciation, Blackpool. Funeral afterwards to St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Kilcully.

“The family have requested that all attending wear bright colours in Natasha’s honour.”

In the many tributes paid to Natasha she is described as “such a beautiful person and an inspiration to so many people, always so positive in life”.

‘IN THE ARMS OF YOUR MOTHER NOW’

One tribute adds: “You’re in the arms of your mother now, praying for your family & kids at this difficult time.”

Another friend wrote: “My deepest sympathies to Tasha’s family and beautiful children at this heartbreaking time. Tasha was such a gorgeous friendly girl, taken too soon. Rest in peace Tasha.”

Another speaks of how Natasha “worked tirelessly for the recent Concert For Cancer and pulled off an amazing event.”

 Another friend said “My deepest condolences to all of Natasha’s family and loved ones and especially to sweet little Emilija and Max.

“You were their absolute world and they were yours.

“You were such a strong and brave woman in all you faced and did it all with a positive attitude. May your gentle soul Rest in Peace.”

Another added: “She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, gentle heart and kindness. May she now rest peacefully in her mother Tracey’s loving arms.”