30 August 2023 , 11:55
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A mum-of-two died surrounded by family following a 17-month battle with cancer, after her symptoms were initially said to be dismissed as the side-effects of a Covid jab.
Katie Pritchard, 37, died following a fight with cervical cancer. But claimed that her symptoms were initially dismissed as the side-effects of the Covid jab. The NHS nurse manager claimed that medical professionals initially misdiagnosed her symptoms as side-effects from the Covid vaccine. She was reportedly told twice that there was 'nothing to worry about' after discovering a lump, attributing her symptoms to the Pfizer vaccine.
She was also informed that her condition might be a prolapsed bladder resulting from childbirth. It was claimed that it was also suggested it could be an STI - which left her feeling insulted, given her 17-year relationship with her partner, CoventryLive reported.
Katie passed away surrounded by loved ones (Joseph Walshe / SWNS)Diagnosed in January, Katie alleged that she had to endure an agonising three-month wait before her treatment commenced, during which time the cancer spread. She underwent five weeks of intense radiotherapy, chemotherapy and brachytherapy starting April last year, and was initially informed that the treatment was successful.
However, in a devastating blow, further scans in December revealed that her cancer had returned. She was given only months to live, marking a heart breaking end to her fight against the disease. On that day, her boyfriend Tom Cronin, 35, proposed and the couple tied the knot in February, sharing their vows in a ceremony at the Stratford-upon-Avon Registry Office, witnessed by their closest family members.
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However, the newlywed Tom has now shared his profound grief and "indescribable pain" following the tragic passing of Katie on June 17, surrounded by those who loved her most. In an update to her fundraising page - which had successfully raised £200,000 towards her treatment - he expressed his gratitude to all those who supported them during this challenging time. He wrote: "I wanted to start this update with a massive thank you.
"Katie and I were absolutely blown away by the support from people we know, people we don’t, those in the UK, abroad, those with a personal story close to ours and to those who just wanted to help. This support has not only been an obvious financial help, but has felt like we are not alone in our struggle.
"In a period of constant suffering and sadness, kind words and support have often been the positive to drag us through. The past 18 months have been a rollercoaster. In particular, the last 6 months have been a particular struggle with regards to healthcare, viable options and emotional unrest.
"In January, the immediate outlook was not great. Being given a terminal prognosis and 'months rather than years' meant overnight our lives changed." However, amidst the despair, there was a glimmer of joy. In March, the couple tied the knot. "Although not quite the way we thought it would be, we had the perfect day, celebrating the last 18 years with family and friends around us. We could not have asked for a better day. Thank you to all those who helped us in any way."
The couple managed to raise the necessary funds to start private treatment. However, they were informed that Katie would not be able to commence her treatment due to her chemotherapy drugs, timing, and situation.
Geography teacher Tom revealed that his wife Katie was accepted onto a medical trial, only for it to be withdrawn when doctors said she was too ill for treatment. He shared, "The extremely fast pace of her disease meant that we were often chasing our tails and trying to slow it was in vain. At this point, all options had been explored and we were out of possible alternatives." Katie had moved into her parents' house to better manage her pain and receive the care she needed, a task made difficult with two young children at home.
Confined to bed and unable to sit up, the strain of having two young children wanting her attention became overwhelming. By late May, Katie's condition worsened, leading to the couple's decision to move her into Myton hospice.
"Pain, mobility and fatigue became a daily struggle," Tom confessed. Despite these challenges, they managed to spend a few precious hours each day with their boys, either in her room or playing outside. Thanks to the dedicated staff at Myton, Katie could enjoy visitors, parties, pub trips, park walks, and even watch their son Cass at football training.
On June 17, surrounded by her family, Katie passed away. Tom expressed his profound grief, saying, "The space she has left is irreplaceable and the pain of losing my best friend and mother to my two boys at 37 is indescribable."
In a ceremony on July 7, Katie was laid to rest at Tysoe natural burial ground, attended by a small gathering of close family and friends. Recalling their wedding day, Katie had previously described it as 'perfect' from start to finish, a day where it felt like 'cancer didn't exist' amidst their joyous celebrations.
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She reminisced: "It was perfect and very fun with lots of laughter and silliness. I felt really good all day and we all totally forgot about my cancer. The day felt cancer-free with lots of love and celebration."
Speaking about her battle with cancer, Katie had said: "I will continue on it for as long as my body can tolerate it or as long as I live. I want to tell people how important it is to live your life and to go on lots of adventures. Turn off Netflix and go outside and enjoy yourself. You need to live for now and not for the future."
Shipston Medical Centre, where Katie claimed she was misdiagnosed, has refrained from commenting on individual cases. A spokesperson for the practice stated: "We are unable to comment on an individual's care and treatment."
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