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Mourners paid their respects to a Bolton mum who “left [her] mark on everyone” today, after she tragically died at the age of just 37 last month. Stacey Withington, who lived in Deane, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, three weeks after giving birth to her daughter, Sophia. At the time she was completing her master’s degree at the University of Bolton in positive psychology.
On October 15, the mother-of-two died after undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and several surgeries including a double mastectomy. Lee Whelan, Stacey’s long-term partner, was due to marry her on October 22. Stacey was a champion of other women and a member of the Ladies Empowerment Circle (LEC), a dynamic networking and support group based in the North of England.
Tributes were paid at the service, where one close friend said: “You left your mark on everyone, you were more than just a friend – you were a source of strength and inspiration, always willing to lend a helping hand. “I will always cherish the memories we made. “Your growth has been amazing and you have inspired us all, although you may no longer be with us – your spirit is.
“Your children are a credit to you. “Thank you for being a part of my life.” The service was held in Bolton Spiritualist Church with people packing the church.
The service was held in Bolton Spiritualist Church on Bradford Street (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Bolton mum completes two degrees with pregnancies during both READ MORE: Family of Stacey Withington pays tribute after cancer battle READ MORE: Bolton businesswoman's networking for women is a success Among those attending the service was Mayor of Bolton Cllr Andy Morgan said: "This afternoon we were honoured to attend the Celebration of the life of Stacey Withington. "A true TeamBolton legend. "Rest in peace lovely lady.
" Stacey was diagnosed with breast cancer a second time in 2024, as 'triple negative' breast cancer, a more aggressive form of the illness. She collaborated on the book “If I Could Tell Her” with six other women, sharing stories of courage and inspiration to offer hope and give advice to their younger selves. The book hit number one in five categories the same weekend it was released and became a Sunday Times Bestseller.
Stacey Withington was remembered as a source of strength and inspiration who left [her] mark on everyone (Image: Newsquest) At the time of her death, Stacey was working on a children’s book to convey the struggles of cancer in a positive way. Long-time family friend, Julie Robinson, will now finish the book in her legacy so that it can help other children. During chemotherapy, Stacey completed a healing course and won Woman of the Year 2024 at Bolton’s Women in Business Awards in April.
She worked with police in supporting victims of domestic violence and won several awards for her dedicated charity work . Stacey was awarded the Inspirational Empowerment Award as part of the Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards, for standing out as a “beacon of inspiration in the breast cancer care community”..
