Sammie Sherwood, a 37-year-old Hartlepool mother who underwent breast cancer treatment while pregnant with her second child, has died months after welcoming her daughter. Tributes have been paid to the mum of two, whose family said she faced an 'unimaginable journey' with courage while continuing to put others first. Her daughter, Imogen Rose, was born eight weeks prematurely on 6 June.

They already had a seven-year-old son, Theo, while preparing to welcome their second child amid repeated hospital appointments, procedures and scans. Trevor said his wife approached the demands with determination, humour and an infectious smile. Her family described her as a remarkable woman, devoted mother and loving wife.

Pregnancy and Cancer Treatment

Sherwood received chemotherapy while pregnant, with her medical care continuing through the months leading up to the birth. She spent her first three weeks receiving care from the neonatal team at the University Hospital of North Tees before being allowed home.

The birth was not the end of Sherwood's treatment. Her family said the months had been marked by uncertainty, difficult decisions and an exhausting schedule of hospital visits. She continued with radiotherapy after Imogen arrived, completing it in August. Her family said she had been looking forward to spending time with her children and rebuilding a sense of normality after treatment.

The original account did not specify the type or stage of Sherwood's breast cancer, or the chemotherapy drugs used.

Cancer Was Later Declared Incurable

Sherwood discovered a lump in her right breast last year during a self-examination. She underwent surgery, then attended a fertility clinic with her husband, Trevor, to discuss harvesting her eggs before chemotherapy. At the fertility clinic, the couple discovered that Sherwood was already pregnant, just one week after her surgery. The news brought hope, but also difficult questions about how cancer treatment could continue.

In September, Sherwood began suffering severe back pain and was taken to hospital for further investigations. In October, doctors told Sherwood that her cancer was incurable. She died peacefully on 23 October, surrounded by loved ones.

Her death came only months after Imogen's birth and shortly after the family had hoped to begin a more settled period together. Her relatives said her legacy should not be defined by cancer, but by the love she gave, the people she touched and the strength she showed throughout her illness.

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Tributes to a Devoted Mum and Harry Potter Fan

Sherwood was also involved with LilyAnne's Wellbeing in Hartlepool, where she served as a founding trustee and volunteer listener. She played a part in the charity's development and was married to its co-founder, Trevor.

A devoted Harry Potter fan, Sherwood's family asked mourners attending her funeral on Thursday 12 November to bring a wand in her memory. The request reflected an interest that was part of the life remembered by those closest to her.

Trevor thanked everyone who had supported the family, saying the community had shown them kindness during the darkest days of their lives. He said Sherwood would be missed every day and that the world would not be the same without her and her smile.

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