Loving tributes paid to Hartlepool woman who hoped to return home from South Africa

Donna Hadfield, who lived with her wife in South Africa for most of the last ten years, had hoped to come home to be with her family.

But sadly, her condition worsened making her too unwell to travel the huge distance.

Instead, her close friend Sam Lee, who had launched an online fundraiser, and Donna’s mam Veronica flew out to her, and were by her side when Donna died in Kleinmond, Cape Town, on October 17.

Sam, who had known Donna for almost 40 years, said: “I have so many amazing memories over the years. We went to our first concert together at 13 on the bus to Whitley Bay ice rink to watch UB40.

“She was in South Africa but we kept in touch most days and she was always sending us all videos of her life there, including giving us updates over the past 11 months as she had her cancer tests and treatment.

“She had so many friends and so many people loved her, both in Hartlepool and in South Africa. She fought her cancer battle with such dignity and we are all going to miss her so much.”

Donna, who was 51 and attended Brierton School, made a new life in South Africa with architect Steph Berry, and had lots of family and friends back in Hartlepool.

She fought courageously after being diagnosed with lung cancer last November which then spread to a number of other parts of her body.

Steph said: “Donna fought so hard through everything, and we faced it all together.

“We wanted to get Donna home to her Mam and her family in England, but plans had to change. And on Friday morning, Mam and Sam finally made it here to South Africa.

“Through all of this fight, the love and support we've received has been incredible. Every message, every kind word, and every person who has thought of us has meant more than I can say.”

Veronica and Sam plan to return to return home with Steph soon with Donna’s ashes and hold a big send off.