Messages of condolences are pouring in on social media for family and friends of Thobeka Lushaba (41), who lost her battle with cancer last week.

In June this year the Herald published a story on her when she asked for donations to assist to assist with urgent mobility needs during treatment.

A Back-a-Buddy campaign was started with the goal of R80 000. Some R46 000 was raised quite quickly, and she was able to buy a hospital bed and a second-hand electronic wheelchair.

In May she posted on social media that people should post about her the minute they find out when she had died. And they have been doing exactly that.

Thobeka’s life changed drastically in 2021 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. However, by the time she received the diagnosis, the cancer had already spread to her bones.

Initially the disease affected her tailbone, which made it impossible for her to sit for long hours.

The illness continued to progress till her last day.

She has been described as a beautiful soul, someone that every person speaks highly off.

Her sister, Gugu Lushaba, said it had been a difficult six years in and out of hospital.

“Last week we went to the hospital for her appointment and the doctors said the cancer has spread into her organs and there was nothing they could do. A few days later she died. We are deeply saddened by her death even though we know that she is now resting from the pain.”

She described Thobeka as a fighter and a hard worker.

“The community and friends made sure that she was comfortable and supported her through it all. When she was ill I could se that she was loved a lot by people and she was given everything to try and make things easier.”

Thobeka was laid to rest at her home in Umzimkulu last Thursday.

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