Mum says 'if you're reading this, I have died' in heartbreaking final message

Kate Rackham, known to many as Teacher With Cancer on social media, has tragically passed away. The 45 year old mother gained a significant online following for openly sharing her experiences with incurable estrogen-receptive breast cancer.

Diagnosed at the age of 39, without any risk factors, the Morecambe-based teacher and mum-of-two was the co-founder of the Fighting to be Heard Foundation. She hoped the campaign would help raise awareness about the disease.

Kate would regularly update her thousands of followers about her life with secondary breast cancer. In a post last week, Kate apologised for her "lack of communication recently", attributing it to "hospital stays, procedures and uncertainty."

On June 7, she added: "And then hearing the words, 'there is nothing more we can do'. I needed a bit of time.

"I'm now home, where I want to be. With Mark and the girls. Surrounded by love, family and friends. Everyone is rallying around and I have so much support. Despite everything I feel blessed."

However, earlier today, on June 13, a heart-wrenching message was posted on her account, reports Wales Online. "If you're reading this, it means I have died," it stated.

"But do not cry for me. I have lived my life on my own terms, the way I have wanted to.

"I joined X because I needed an outlet, what I got was so much more. You made me feel validated in my feelings and much less alone. Thank you."

Supporters have been quick to show their love and gratitude, reminding us of all the lives Kate has touched. One supporter, @Poppygibsonuk, commented: "Thank you for sharing your journey with us to the end and beyond. Thank you for touching our lives you beautiful Angel."

Another user, @Jacxdad3376, expressed their condolences: "Sad, sad news this. Yes Kate - you dictated the terms not that horrific disease. I hope your family can take comfort in this difficult time and accept my condolences. Your journey was inspirational."

@Dennishchristen added a heartfelt tribute: "Rest In Peace. As a teacher, you became one of our heroes. Thank you."

While @TheCrazyMamiFN chimed in: "I didn't know of you until this post came up but as a mum who just fought triple negative breast cancer, my heart bleeds for your loved ones. God bless you and rest well."

The Fighting to be Heard Foundation was created in 2021 and is ran by volunteers. The majority are Secondary Breast Cancer patients.

Secondary breast cancer is often described as the ‘forgotten form’ of breast cancer, even though it is estimated in a recent audit that there are over 57,000 people living with metastatic (secondary) breast cancer in the UK.

Signs and symptoms of secondary breast cancer

• Headaches that aren't getting any better or feel severe.

• Altered vision or speech.

• A feeling of hoarseness or dry throat.

• Any lumps or swelling in and around your breast area including under your arms and around your collarbone.

• An uncomfortable feeling or swelling under your ribs or across your upper abdomen.

• Feeling tired more than usual.

• Unexpected weight loss or loss of appetite.

• Bone pain; particularly your back, ribs or hips which gets worse at night and doesn’t get better with pain relief.

• Weakness or numbness in your limbs and feeling unsteady.