A mother-of-one who sadly passed away after a truly inspirational fight with cancer last December is being honoured and remembered by her family and friends, with her best friend going the extra-mile in ensuring her memory is forever kept alive. Here, we tell the story of the brave Kelly-Ann Dunn, who put up a tremendous fight for her life, and left such a positive impact on those who knew her.

Coming from those closet to her, Kelly-Ann was a kind-hearted, beautiful woman, with a heart of gold and an incredible mother to her son. At just 30 years old, Kelly-Ann was sadly diagnosed with bowel cancer. With dignity and courage, she kept high spirits throughout her battle and eventually received the news that everyone had been waiting for; she had entered remission. This amazing news brought a sense of security to Kelly-Ann as well as to those that loved her, knowing that what they thought was the final chapter of a traumatic experience was coming to an end.

Unfortunately, just six months later, devastation took hold. Kelly-Ann received the news that her cancer had returned, and this time it was more aggressive. But, as before, the awe-inspiring fight that Kelly-Ann displayed and her determination to continue to make memories with her then 3-year-old son kept herself and those around her positive about the situation. 

In December of 2020, Kelly-Ann’s courageous journey came to an end. Leaving behind loved family and friends, there wasn’t a single person who had met Kelly-Ann that didn’t feel touched by her heart-wrenching story. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Before her death, Kelly-Ann’s best friend, Soraya Donovan, decided that she wanted to give her friend one last celebration. Knowing that Kelly-Ann would only be around to celebrate for one more birthday, Soraya and a group of friends came together to make the day extra special. After a meal with her closest friends, Kelly-Ann was blindfolded and taken to her surprise party. It was at this party that Soraya made a promise; to celebrate Kelly-Ann’s birthday every year as a way to not only remember her friends, but to also raise money for cancer charities. 

This year, the first year that Kelly-Ann wasn’t around for her birthday, Soraya kept to her promise and hosted a birthday party and fundraised money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. 

The Teenage Cancer Trust specialise in creating world-class cancer services for young people in the UK and help to provide support and life-changing care for young people, so that they don’t have to face cancer alone. A team of dedicated staff and volunteers work alongside young people to decide the best way to offer cancer services and are inspired daily by the young people who are treated at their units and their outreach services. 

Thanks to Soraya’s efforts, over £2000 was raised and donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity chosen by Kelly-Ann’s parents. 

Receiving no NHS funding and relying wholly on public donations, the money will help to ensure that the trust will still be able to operate for years to come, meaning that the 2,500 young people who’ll be told they have cancer next year will be able to access all of the support and services they will need at such a difficult time. 

Speaking about the money raised, Soraya said: “I would have been happy with only raising £1000, so I am really proud of myself.” 

Describing Kelly-Ann as loveable, feisty and an all-round good person, Soraya added: “She was fun and bubbly. She loved food, especially McDonalds. Someone had even left a McDonalds burger on her grave for her. It’s the little things like that which keep her memory alive.” 

“I made a promise that I’d continue “Kelfest” in her memory and raise money in her memory to help people in her situation. She achieved so much in her short life and her memory will always stay alive through the people that loved her and of course, Brodie.” 

The event was only open to family and close friends, however plans are in place to allow others who knew Kelly-Ann to attend from next year onwards.