Nurse who died from rare cancer described as ‘hero’ in Spalding fiancé’s heartbreaking tribute as colleagues set up crowdfunder to help family of Boston Pilgrim Hospital worker

The devoted fiancé of a ‘hero’ nurse who lost her battle with a rare form of cancer has described his partner’s death as ‘heartbreaking’.

Brett Harman, 35, and Hannah Stinson, 29, from Pinchbeck, were engaged and excited to be expecting their baby in 2021 but halfway through the pregnancy a lump ‘the size of a rugby ball’ on her leg was diagnosed as BCOR sarcoma.

While pregnant, Hannah, who worked as a nurse at Boston Pilgrim Hospital, underwent chemotherapy and gave birth prematurely to their daughter Summer, now aged two.

But after a period of remission, the cancer returned this year and Hannah tragically died on October 31.

Mr Harman said: “I was hoping for a miracle that she would survive.

“She was so brave having chemotherapy while she was pregnant and then in July this year she experienced crippling abdominal pains.

“She was an absolute hero - an incredible nurse and an incredible woman who put everyone first - and is very much missed.”

Medical checks showed the aggressive form of cancer had returned and would possibly be incurable.

Hannah was placed on a ventilator and after a difficult call with a consultant at 3am the family had to say their goodbyes as life support was switched off.

Mr Harman said: “It was agonising as she was not able to talk or respond.

“I was praying things would change.

“I just wanted a bit more time with her - get married - it all happened so suddenly it was heartbreaking.”

Mr Harman, who himself received treatment for leukaemia in 2015, has described the couple’s challenges as ‘pretty awful’ ‘with the added responsibility of bringing up his daughter as a single father.

He is thankful for Hannah’s parents Mark and Linda Stinson, sister Bethany and his parents Russell and Cyn Harman and their network of support including BeBright pre-school in Spalding.

Mr Harman said: “The outpouring of love has been phenomenal.”

He runs Rush Hour Escape Rooms in Spalding and also works as a voiceover artist.

Mr Harman said: “It has all been such a blur.

“It still feels like it is probably not real and I feel stronger day by day - she was so poorly for the last month that I am relieved that she is not in pain and she can rest.

“Grief comes in waves and suddenly hits me again.”

Mr Harman made a promise to Hannah after 11 years of being together to look after their daughter Summer who will turn three next month.

Hannah’s work colleagues have set up a crowd funder to help the family financially during this difficult time and it has reached its current total of £6,965.

The crowd funder will give Mr Harman a bit of breathing space if he needs to take time off from work.

He said: “I just want to thank her work colleagues for setting that up to support us and for our family also on hand to help out with Summer.

“It is difficult because I am now a single father trying to run my businesses and support like this financially means I will be able to possibly have a little bit of time off and focus on Summer - a day out or something like that.

“Hannah and I were a team and both hard-working parents and I said to her before she passed that I will always protect Summer.”

Explaining to their daughter that her mummy has died is also a hurdle he never expected to have to face.

He said: “We got some help from the hospital and charities that have more experience about the best routes to take.

“I explained to Summer that mummy was poorly and the doctors tried to help.

“She was my best friend and life without her now feels inconceivable - her bravery and determination was just so inspiring.

“We miss her.”

Abbi Eustace, matron for older persons healthcare at Pilgrim Hospital said: “6A ward had the pleasure of having Hannah in our team.

“Hannah was a compassionate and caring nurse, who went above and beyond for her patients.

“She was highly thought of by all of the teams she encountered.

“Hannah and her beautiful smile will be missed dearly and she will forever be in our hearts.

“The team has set up a go fund me page in Hannah’s memory to support her family.”

For further details about the crowd funder visit here

If you would like to pay tribute to Hannah, post a comment below…