Lorraine announces death of Change + Check choir member
ITV's Lorraine Kelly was compelled to interrupt her show on Monday with the heart-wrenching announcement that one of their own, a member of the Change + Check Choir, has died due to secondary breast cancer.
Sharing the grievous news post-advertisement, the Scottish presenter revealed that the individual was part of the choir built through the ITV program to culminate the fifth anniversary of Lorraines campaign for breast examination. With the aid of artist Joss Stone, they premiered their debut song Golden in 2023.
Heather Sawyer, a choir member who was regrettably diagnosed with terminal Stage 4 cancer, passed away. Her husband publicised her October 5th demise on social media.
Lorraine conveyed to the audience: "I'm very sorry to have to share some sad news this morning. One of our amazing singers, Heather Sawyer, has died from secondary breast cancer. Heather was only 50 years old, an astonishing woman."
Adding further, she noted "She was such a huge part of the choir, so passionate about everything. Amazing," reports the Mirror.
Dr Hilary, joining Lorraine, said: "Wonderful lady. She sang at the Palladium with the choir, to celebrate the Change + Check campaign."
Lee, Heather's spouse, wrote: "Shortly before 1am this morning 5th October Heather lost her fight to cancer and took her last breaths and passed away peacefully. We know just how many people have followed Heather's journey and how many lives she has touched from the sheer volume of messages, voice notes, the flood of the #hevupsocials hashtag..."
The family expressed their heartfelt gratitude in a statement: "We as a family want to firstly thank each and every one of you beautiful people who have visited, sent well wishes and thought of Heather during this time. It has not gone unnoticed and we will be forever grateful to each and every one of you as you all made her know just how loved she was in her final days."
Tragically, Heather's battle with cancer reached a critical stage after the illness spread to the left side of her brain, necessitating her move to hospice care to ensure her comfort. Heather, who was just 50 years old and a beloved grandmother to 11 grandchildren, had previously undergone a mastectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in an ardent effort to combat her cancer.
