Mum’s Heartfelt Appeal After Back Pain Reveals Fatal Cancer That Claimed Girls Aloud Star

Teresa Nicodemi, a 33-year-old mother from Wells, is courageously fighting to make this Christmas unforgettable for her two young daughters despite being given just 12 months to live. Diagnosed last June with an aggressive and rare form of inflammatory breast cancer—the same type that tragically took Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding’s life—Teresa’s journey began with persistent back pain.

This aggressive cancer silently progressed, initially mistaken for infection due to unusual symptoms like an orange-peel texture on her breast rather than a lump. By the time the correct diagnosis was made, Teresa’s cancer had reached stage three, and despite undergoing a mastectomy, it soon spread further, confining her to a wheelchair and frequent hospital stays.

With Christmas approaching, Teresa’s greatest wish is to create joyful memories for her daughters, Sofia, nine, and Alessa, five. Facing financial hardship after leaving her job as a care worker due to illness, Teresa has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise £800 for special Christmas treats, including a real Christmas tree—a first for the family—and a final trip to Crealy Theme Park and Resort in Devon, a place filled with happy memories for them.

“It’s incredibly hard being in and out of hospital, hooked up to medications and machines,” Teresa shares. “I miss school runs, bedtime kisses, their laughter. I’m grieving every moment of life with my girls I’m going to miss—the birthdays, first days of school, Christmas mornings, all the little and big milestones.”

Already nearly reaching her fundraising goal, Teresa’s determination shines through. “This is not for me,” she emphasizes, “it’s for my girls. I want them to have memories of their mum that will comfort them when I’m gone.”

Her story is a poignant reminder of the silent struggles faced by many battling rare cancers and the strength of a mother’s love to give her children lasting joy even in the face of heartbreak.