Daughter of Les & Joan Allan and sister to Chris, Katie originated from Belfast and settled in Fradley, Staffordshire with husband, Stuart, and two children, Sam and Sophie.

Katie wrote this blog to share her story, improve awareness and spread inspiration & positivity amongst families, friends and others 'battling cancer - one day at a time'

Katie Scarbrough
04 March 1981 - 02 May 2013

A Perfect Send Off

Family, friends and work colleagues gathered in Katie’s home village of Fradley on Friday for a deserving and perfect send off lead by the Rev. John Allan of St Stephen’s Parish Church.

The uplifting service paid tribute to Katie’s 32 years and included stories of her childhood and teenage years growing up with brother Chris and parents Les & Joan Allan in Belfast, to Katie’s time abroad as a Holiday Rep where she met husband Stuart and to her employment in Customer Services at Birmingham International Airport. Tribute readings were made by Katie’s brother Chris, sister-in-law Debbie, cousin Gillian and Paula Young (Cancer Research UK). Breaking 20+ years tradition, Rev. Allan then invited the congregation to stand and applaud Katie and her lifetime of achievements. Following the service, Katie & Stuart’s childrens’ classes released 70 purple balloons from the school playing field next to the church.

Katie’s love of ice skating and recent Belfast Ice Gala featured in the latter part of the tribute service praising Katie for her dedication and determination to raise money and spread awareness of cancer in young people. Friends and colleagues continue to raise money in Katie’s memory with various upcoming events and the staff at BHX have their mascot Marvin the Monkey flying across the world sharing Katie’s story every day. #TeamKatie #nevertooyoung

Husband Stuart and all the family would like to thank everyone for their kind messages of support and for card & flower tributes to Katie and ask that anyone who may wish to make a donation in Katie’s memory please do so to St Giles Hospice or MacMillan Cancer Support.

Katie’s story reached many people worldwide and her spirit lives on through those who’s life she touched and, of course, her children Sam and Sophie who will one day read this blog knowing just how loved their special, inspiring, brave and beautiful mum Katie Scarbrough was.

#RIPKatie #amazeballs #cancersucks

15 Comments

  • Karin Chenoweth Says

    Praying and thinking of a beautiful and courageous lady who touched many lives…a perfect farewell…God bless all the family of Katie, Dave & Karin (USA)

  • Jennie Says

    What a lovely post. Thank you for updating us on what sounds like a perfect send off for an amazing person. The family will be in our thoughts & prayers for a long time to come. X

  • Kathryn Webb Says

    It was a lovely service and I felt humbled to be invited. Katie was a wonderful person who deserved the ovation she got. I thought that was a lovely sentiment from Rev John. Katie will never be forgotten.

  • Emmie Says

    Rest in peace Katie, I have followed her blog for numerous weeks and Katie has truely come across as an inspirational lady who will have helped many people, those who may never have met her. Shine brightly Katie and know that one day with your fight and determination we will beat cancer. Thoughts and best wishes to your husband and children.

  • Natalie Says

    It really was a beautiful service for a beautiful young lady, from the flowers, to the music, the purple theme, the hymns, the balloon release and the readings which Chris, Debbie, Gillian and Paula did so well. I particularly liked John Allan’s comments regarding spec savers and am still trying to work out which member of Westlife Katie thought Stuart looked like!
    Stuart and the whole Scarbrough/Allan family did Katie proud on Friday.
    Katie will never be forgotten by all those that she made such an impact on.
    RIP Katie x x x

  • C . Henderson Says

    What a beautiful, brave lady . I too have recently been diagnosed with this Cancer & awaiting results after surgery . My thoughts are all the family x

  • What a beautiful send off for a beautiful lady, forever in our thoughts Katie continue to skate in heaven, you were an inspiring and brave young woman and helped me so much earlier this year when my dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer. God has another angel to watch over now, love and hugs sleep tight xxxxx

  • michelle Says

    I hate that you died Katie and I hate that your kids won’t get to have you, the most amazeballz woman to raise them. I never met you but your life lost will stay with me forever. I lost my husband to a murder 2 years ago when my son was 5 months old so I know what your husband and kids will go through. No day will be passed without you somewhere on their minds. Rest in peace and stay with them as I know my Jon has with me. xoxo

  • Emma Hadley Says

    Katie what an #amazeballs send off – you deserved nothing less and not a dry eye was there amongst us. Your #amazeballs Stuart did you proud, along with the rest of your family and we were all there with uplifting support and love to show you all how much we care xxxx R.I.P brave, courageous #amazeballs lady xxxx

  • susan gilmour Says

    Followed katie from the start and now will always be here for the family –that is a promise xx

  • Victoria Says

    Dear Katie, I have been so moved by ur story and ur untimely death. I am a mother of 2 young kids n l can only imagine what u might have felt when the news of ur illness was broken to u. May God console ur family n give them the strength to carry on. Your children path will be bless n God’s love will always shine on them. RIP Katie.

  • Lisa Says

    What a beautifully written blog from an amazing lady that I never got the pleasure to meet but its clear Katie is in many hearts. Wishing Katie’s family all the best and I’m sure they are remembering the good times. Much love to her beautiful children too and they will grow up knowing their mother was incredible. Love from Lisa and family (South Africa) X

  • I just came across this blog. I find myself amazed,so saddened, and very thankful. My daughter has been fighting the battle of Breast Cancer for the last 10 years – we are fortunate she is still with us and I so know that. I am thinking though… as a child I lost my father at a very young age (3) and that having their mom’s writing will be a true gift. They will always know how much she loved them and wanted to live for them. My heart and thoughts with you all….

  • Heather Says

    What a heart warming story. It sounds like the perfect send off for a phenomenal woman.

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