'Beautiful and courageous' Longford woman Laura Gilmore Anderson has died following brave cancer fight

There is a profound sense of sadness throughout the county today with the news that 'beautiful and courageous' Longford woman Laura Gilmore Anderson has passed to her eternal reward following her brave cancer fight.

Laura, who resides in Edinburgh, Scotland, with her husband Paul, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in July 2020 and she died peacefully in her home at 11:11 this morning (Saturday, April 8), surrounded by her family.

Just last month, speaking to the Longford Leader, Laura revealed how doctors effectively informed her to go home and spend her final days with her family after all preventative treatments used to stop the spread of neuroendocrine tumours which have ravaged her body over the last three years had failed.

Fighting back tears, Laura, said, “If only love and kindness could cure me, I would be cured right now. I am too young to die, I am only 35 and I don’t want to give up.”

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Laura, daughter of Brendan and Anne Gilmore, received the heartbreaking news just days after enjoying a once in a lifetime trip to Disneyland in Paris with her husband Paul. 

A number of high profile fundraisers were organised to assist Laura, who turned 36 on Thursday, in her fight against her illness. 

Caption: Paul and Laura pictured in May 2022 Picture: Shelley Corcoran 

Pictures | Great Longford support at Escabar fundraiser for Laura Gilmore Anderson

In a Facebook post, Paul Anderson paid tribute to his wife. "We are all so proud of her strength and determination in her battle these last few years.

"Laura has shown us all what an amazing, strong, wonderful, beautiful and courageous woman she was, especially in the past week, not giving up the fight until her final breath."

He added, "I will miss her so much, she was my soul mate, my best friend and my pillar of strength during the hardest of days and I am so full of love and admiration for her.

"Laura touched the hearts of so many of you and has been an inspiration for those who need it most." 

Caption: The Gilmore Family 

Paul thanked everyone who supported Laura throughout her cancer fight. 

"I’d like to thank you all for the love you have shown Laura and I throughout her fight and you will forever be in my heart."

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‘This is my life and I just want to give it the best possible shot I can’

Brave, courageous, inspirational-Laura Gilmore Anderson possesses all of these characteristics in spades.

 

Deepest sympathy is extended to the Gilmore and Anderson families. May Laura Rest in Peace.

Caption: The Gilmore family pictured on in August 2021 ahead of Susan Ryan (Laura's sister) completing her 1,000km Longford challenge in aid of the Help Laura Heal fund Picture: Shelley Corcoran

PICTURES | Longford folk turn out in force to support Laura's cancer battle fundraiser

Caption: At the 2016 Longford Assocation in London dinner dance; Longford GAA County Board Chairperson Brendan Gilmore, his wife Anne, daughter Laura and Paul Anderson.