A “LIFE and soul of the party” mum has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer after initially thinking her symptoms were from long Covid.
Vickie Cooney caught Covid in June but thought that her symptoms of a cough and feeling tired were just the after-effects of the virus.
However, the 42-year-old was shocked after a scan later on that month revealed that she has lung cancer.
The mum-of-two, who lives in Kinloss, Moray, was then dealt another devastating blow by doctors last week that the cancer had spread to her brain and was given just days to live.
Vickie, who is described by friends as the life and soul of the party, has defied the doctor’s diagnosis and is still continuing to make friends laugh every day.
Her friend Sharon Brotherton, 32, set up a GoFundMe page last week to help Vickie’s husband Paul, 36, and sons Harrison, 6, and Seth, 3, with any future costs.
Speaking today, Sharon said: “It started two months ago when Vickie felt as though she had long Covid after testing positive for Covid in June.
“She went to the doctors but they referred her for a scan and through that Vickie was told that she had lung cancer which she had radiotherapy on but it had spread to her brain and it was an aggressive form of cancer.
“The CAT scan showed that the cancer had spread all over and that treatment would not be a suitable option.
“Vickie is the life and soul of the party, we became very close over lockdown and our families just grew to be friends.
“We were both pregnant at the same time with our children in 2018 and we set up and ran a baby group together.
“Her family have all come up to say goodbye because that is what Vickie is like, she doesn’t want people to mourn her.
“She’s actually still cracking jokes at the moment and has us all laughing.
“I set up the GoFundMe to just help ease the financial burden on Paul and the boys.
“She is so organised as a person and has already got the boy’s school uniform as well as writing their birthday cards up until their 18th birthday.
“I was hoping to raise £10,000 but in my mind that was a dream, I thought there was no way we could reach that.”
“Vickie is just so positive, she wants people to celebrate her life not mourn her.”
Sharon’s GoFundMe page has so far raised over £8,500.
The page reads: “Many of you will know Vickie, she is an amazing woman, she is a mother, an army wife and a friend to so many.
“She is larger than life there is no denying the light that burns brightly in Vickie, it has touched so many of us.
“A couple of months ago she was diagnosed with lung cancer, after being hospitalised with an infection, we found out the cancer has spread and she has just days to live.
“Everyone is devastated none more so than her husband and two beautiful boys she will be leaving behind.
“I know times are tough for everyone now but if you are able to help please, donate and share this page and make sure financial stress is one thing this amazing family do not have to worry about.
“Thank you so much to everyone that has donated so far and all your kind words, Vickie and Paul are blown away by the support you have all shown.”
The page has been inundated with messages from loved ones and members of the public.
Glen Erskine said: “It was an absolute pleasure to have met and worked alongside Vickie in recent times. A bond built that will never be forgotten.”
Julie Craigie wrote: “Thinking of you all.”
Sarah Baillie added: “Thinking of you and your family.”
Ross Homer wrote: “Thoughts with you all at this difficult time.”
Gillian Vivian said: “Sending much love, thoughts and prayers to this beautiful family.”
To donate, please visit: https://gofund.me/ed32dc3e
