The 'typical' thing inspiring teacher Kate Rackham did amid her tragic death

“If you’re reading this, it means I have died. But do not cry for me. I have lived life on my own terms, the way I have wanted to.”

The powerful words of Kate Rackham, a beloved wife, teacher, and mum-of-two. But Kate wasn’t just a guiding light to those in her family, at school, and circle of friends at home in Urmston.

She was perhaps more well known by her other name – ‘Teacher with Cancer’. On her social media platform, tens of thousands of people followed her journey living with incurable oestrogen-receptive breast cancer.

Cancer was a part of her life, but it was just one part. Along with her honest updates about the progresses and setbacks of living with cancer, Kate’s huge fanbase took comfort and heart in her posts as she brought them along on her interesting, vulnerable, and often charming day-to-day activities with her husband and their two daughters.

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Kate was diagnosed at the age of 39 – without any obvious risks that would make her more likely to develop cancer. Two years later, the family received the nightmarish news no one wants to ever hear.

Her cancer had spread and Kate received a terminal diagnosis. Also known as advanced or metastatic breast cancer, secondary breast cancer occurs when a cancer that began in the breast spreads to another part of the body.

It is estimated that in England in 2020-2021, more than 57,000 patients were living with metastatic breast cancer. It is the leading cause of death for females aged 35 to 49 in England and Wales.

Grappling with her new reality, Kate dedicated herself to raising awareness and co-founded the Fighting to be Heard Foundation.

She publicly shared the difficult moments, telling BBC Radio 5 Live how her diagnosis came as a ‘massive shock’, having had lumps checked out by doctors but being told not to worry because she had no family history. Once she was referred to the breast care unit and had an ultrasound and biopsy, the lump had gotten large. Speaking to 5 Live, Kate said “half way through the ultrasound the whole room changed”.

Kate also shared frankly about her ‘heartbreaking’ struggles with hair loss because of chemotherapy, familiar to so many who have experienced the similar aftermath of gruelling treatment.

Kate told the BBC ‘being in the shower and seeing it fall out is heart-breaking’. Kate said: “It's really hard losing your hair. It's not just losing your hair, it's losing your eyelashes and eyebrows as well.

“That's the difference between looking like you are rocking a bald head and looking like you are on chemotherapy.”

'There is nothing more we can do'

Kate told of the hard times, but also the joyful moments of family life in Urmston. One follower called her 'Urmston's Deborah James'.

But just last week, she wrote a social media post excusing her ‘lack of communication recently’, on account of ‘hospital stays, procedure and uncertainty’.

June 7 marked the moment so many of her followers feared. Kate posted a heart-wrenching update, saying: "And then hearing the words, 'there is nothing more we can do'. I needed a bit of time."

She continued: "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."

Tragically, on June 13, a poignant and heartbreaking message appeared on her profile: "If you're reading this, it means I have died," it began. The message concluded with a powerful note: "But do not cry for me. I have lived my life on my own terms, the way I have wanted to."

In conclusion, aged 45 as she died, Kate said: "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."

Social media was immediately awash with heartfelt messages of love, support, and emotional memories. Many commentators told of how she helped people along the way, including famous Mancunian faces.

Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam paid tribute, saying: "RIP Kate Rackham, a most beautiful woman inside and out. We'll remember her forever. Big love to Mark and the girls and all her family and friends."

In the political world Lord Jim Knight, who sits in the House of Lords, paid tribute to Ms Rackham, was among them, saying: "This made me stop today and turn off the noise. Such dignity."

'We love you Kate'

Kate’s outlook on her diagnosis and her death was remarkable, but there’s no doubt that those who knew and loved her will feel her loss immensely. The primary school where Kate was a much-respected member of the teaching staff, shared how colleagues and pupils have been left deeply saddened – but noted just how cherished she was, saying ‘we are all blessed to have had Kate Rackham as part of our lives’.

Clare Baron, the headteacher at St Joseph's RC Primary in Reddish, said: “We are deeply saddened by yesterday’s news and our thoughts and prayers are with Kate's family, friends, colleagues and all the pupils she taught at St Joseph's RC Primary School, Reddish.

“Kate cared about teaching and educating our young people. She made a difference to the lives of so many people both in her years in education and her inspirational awareness raising and charity work following her own cancer diagnosis.

“She will very much be missed in our school community and beyond. We are all blessed to have had Kate Rackham as part of our lives.”

Most of all, those in Kate’s family will feel the absence of their incredible anchor. Kate’s husband, Mark, has started a fundraiser in her memory – and wrote an emotional message on the Facebook page for The Barking Dog, the Urmston pub he runs.

“Mark here, owner of The Barking Dog,” he wrote. “After living with secondary breast cancer for 5 years, my wife, Kate Rackham, sadly died, peacefully at home with me and the rest of the family at her side. We are truly devastated.

“She was a proud and powerful campaigner for secondary breast cancer via her charity The Fighting to be Heard Foundation and her rather large Twitter/X following under Teacher with Cancer.

“Her death has made all major news channels today and her final tweet has had 17 million views and counting. Even upon death she continues to amaze and inspire me. Please be mindful that our staff are also feeling her loss, and I am forever grateful for them keeping the pub in tip top shape whilst I have been caring for her the last couple of months.

“We love you Kate.”

'A beautiful person with an irrepressible spirit'

On the fundraising page, Mark shared one ‘typical’ thing about his wife.

“In typical style, Kate had fully planned her own funeral and her wishes were for no flowers, and any donations to go toward providing for Ruby and Nancy’s futures, as her opportunity to do so had been cut short so cruelly,” he wrote on JustGiving.

Mark and Kate’s children, Ruby and Nancy, were just four and three-years-old when their mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. And the call to help the two girls in the wake of their mother’s tragic death has had a rapturous response.

In a matter of days, the fundraiser has already garnered more than £3,200, with touching messages from those who knew Kate. Vicky Clarke commented on the JustGiving page: “Kate was truly beautiful inside and out.

“She looked after me as a newly qualified teacher. She was always there to support me. She has given so much and now it is a pleasure to give something back.”

Ian Mattinson spoke as someone who knew Kate a long time ago, but has seen her impact. He added: “High school was the last time I saw Kate but I’ve followed her inspiring journey from afar. My deepest condolences to all her family and friends.”

Another donation read: “So heartbreaking to hear of Kate's passing. She was a beautiful person with an irrepressible spirit. Hope that the cherished moments you shared will bring you some comfort.”

'No greater cause'

Some people who knew Kate are now looking forward to the future, as Kate always did. They hope their donations will allow her two girls to thrive just as their mum wished for.

Phil Pearson commented on the fundraising page saying: “There is no greater cause than a child’s future.”

While donating, Susan McCarthy shared her thoughts about Ruby and Nancy on the JustGiving page. “Her legacy will continue through those beautiful girls, love to you all.”

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.

If you would like to contribute to the JustGiving fundraiser for Ruby and Nancy, head here.