Heartbreak as brave and doting mum-of-two dies after battle with cancer

A heartbroken family of a devoted mum-of-two have paid tribute to the "life and soul of the party" after she lost her life following a battle with cancer age 48.

Joanne Garbutt has been described as a fantastic and fun-loving mother who would do everything she could to support others. In July 2021, tragedy struck as Joanne was diagnosed with cancer, which originated in her liver.

Months later, shortly after Christmas, Joanne and her family were told the cancer was terminal but she continued fighting. She spent her final weeks at Teesside Hospice and her adoring daughter, 15-year-old Katie, has already helped raise more than £1,000" to give back to the team that were there for her mum.

Sadly, Joanne died on January 13. Messages of love and support have flooded in paying tribute to the beloved mum-of-two.

"Joanne was a fantastic mother. She was the life and soul of the party and she'd do anything for everyone," said husband Shaun Garbutt.

"She was so kind and had so many friends. She was a truly fantastic person and she gave everything she could if you needed her.

"She took my son on like her own. She was such a beautiful person and so fun loving. She has family in South Africa and we've been to visit them and they've come here. Her aunty came all the way from South Africa to be with her in her last moments and it just shows how highly she was thought of."

Joanne, who worked in administration for Univar, lived in Normanby with Shaun and their two children Katie and 12-year-old Adam. In a touching message on the Just Giving page to support Teesside Hospice, Katie said: "My mam used to phone me buzzing because she thought it was like a hotel room. She loved the home cooked food they made and how gorgeous and helpful the staff were.

"They also took good care of my family which is also amazing. They do so much work and don’t not have a smile on there faces. She was the kindest person and would of done anything for everyone. She was so strong."

The grieving family are taking part in the Midnight Walk in March to further support Teesside Hospice. Shaun and Joanne, who had been together for more than 25 years, met on a night out for Shaun's birthday.

"We've got two amazing children who have been so strong throughout all this. Katie has raised more than £1,000 in such a short space time. We're all so proud and it's a testament to how much Joanne was loved."

"My son is so brave, I've never known a kid so brave. We're one big close family."

Joanne is the daughter of Colin Dent and the late Joyce and sister to Phil Dent.

The grieving family are taking part in the Midnight Walk in March to further support Teesside Hospice. Shaun and Joanne, who had been together for more than 25 years, met on a night out for Shaun's birthday.

"We've got two amazing children who have been so strong throughout all this. Katie has raised more than £1,000 in such a short space time. We're all so proud and it's a testament to how much Joanne was loved."

Credit: Teesside Live