A mother-of-two whose distraught family claim her cancer was misdiagnosed as depression, despite complaining on numerous occasions of stomach and chest pains, has passed away.
Tina Locke’s cancer was spotted two years after she first visited doctors, but was dismissed as nothing more than depression, anxiety and fibromyalia, her family said.
By the time her cancer was diagnosed, it had already spread to her abdomen and surrounding lymph nodes.
The 43-year-old, from Penygraig, Rhondda, was eventually diagnosed with signet ring cell adenocarcinoma, a malignant cancer which is highly malignant form of cancer where chemotherapy is not an effective treatment.
Jason Locke (right) said that his wife Tina (left) from Penygraig, Rhondda, had been ‘let down’ by the NHS after her cancer was not diagnosed for two years, despite frequent complaints
Despite an immense effort to raise £300,000, which would have been enough to see her undergo treatment in Germany for a potentially life-saving immunotherapy, her condition deteriorated and she passed away on September 27.
Ms Locke was described by her husband Jason as a ‘fine, beautiful Welsh woman who will never be forgotten’.
The family, which raised nearly £20,000 on their JustGiving page for Ms Locke, plan to spend some of the money on a bench in her honour at Rest Bay in Porthcawl – a place she had spent a lot of time during her last eight weeks.
There has been an overwhelming show of support for Ms Locke and her family following her passing, including from Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood, who lives in the same town.
On a Facebook page dedicated to raising money to help Ms Locke, a post informing people of her death read: ‘Hi all, as most of you already know, now it’s been confirmed by the family, sadly the lovely lady Tina has now gained her angel wings and sadly passed away.
‘We still would like to thank everyone for all your love and support! Tina sure put up a huge fight and she will be truly missed and still loved by everyone! At this time please can we all respect the family & children of tina and leave them grieve in peace!
‘All our condolences go out to all the family, children, mother, husband, sisters & brother! You are now out of pain, rest in piece.’
One comment from Jodie Dalton read: ‘You brave beautiful lady. RIP. Thoughts to all your family. You’re pain-free now. Fly high, beautiful.’
Cerys Barton said: ‘Devastated for all the family. Tina was a beautiful lady inside and out. Hard to believe this has happened.’
Carrie Langford added: ‘So, so sad. Tina was such a lovely lady who will be truly missed. Such a cruel world, RIP Tina. Such a strong woman.’
Shereen Fowler Mark Davies said: ‘My heart goes out to you all, sending big hugs your way x’
Mr Locke said he wanted to thank the people of the Rhondda and around the country donating money to the cause.
He said: ‘If you’re reading this, please give a round of applause to Tina and shout “hip, hip hooray” to celebrate the short life she had.’
An investigation into Tina’s care was launched by Cwm Taf University Health Board in July.
The former hairdresser, who also acted as a carer to son Dylan, 15, was eventually diagnosed with signet ring cell adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer highly resistant to chemotherapy
Ms Locke passed away on September 27 after a battle with cancer. Her family said the fundraising money would go towards building a bench in her honour
After Ms Locke was diagnosed with cancer, Mr Locke said that the NHS had ‘failed’ his wife.
Earlier this year, Mr Locke said: ‘Nobody took her seriously because she looked so well. She begged the doctors to give her tests.
‘It’s really shocking that this was allowed to happen. I will camp and protest on the steps of the Assembly until the money is given to send her to Germany. The NHS owes it to her.’
MailOnline has approached the Cwm Taf University Health Board for comment.