TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a brave Paphos mum, who died on Saturday night and who had touched the hearts of many across the island with the tremendous courage she showed in her battle against nine brain tumours, the result of a malignant melanoma.
Alethea Ayres, 35, had been the inspiration for many, as she documented her journey since she was diagnosed with cancer on her personal blog and on the social network site Facebook.
She also brought together the whole community of Paphos who joined forces to raise money to send her for what was hoped would be life-saving treatment in Germany recently.
Alethea was well known in Paphos as she had performed as a singer in many of the hotels. She was also the founder of the Parenting In Cyprus website,www.parentingincyprus.com, which offers parents advice and information. She was also nominated in last year’s Paphos Heart of Gold award.
Just weeks ago after undergoing radiation treatment in Germany, Alethea returned to Paphos and expressed her heartfelt thanks to the people of Paphos, who came together and in a matter of days managed to raise the thousands of euros needed for her treatment.
Despite living with a terrible disease which was ravaging her body, Alethea had a positive approach to her predicament and a determination which enabled her to remain dignified during her course of gruelling treatment, and which made her the inspiration for many other people coping with similar situations.
She spoke to the Cyprus Mail just a few weeks ago, expressing her thanks to everyone who had rallied round to help her, saying she had been ‘amazed and touched’ by the generosity of strangers.
“When I feel better I would like to give each and every one who has helped me a big hug, “she said.
Alethea was also helped by the strong love and support of her family and friends and her determination to be back in Cyprus after treatment, for her son Christians second birthday was an aspiration which came to pass.
After the intensive radiotherapy, Alethea returned home to continue chemotherapy and rehabilitation treatment as her mobility had been affected by the treatment and the tumours putting pressure on her brain.
Her mother Hilda, speaking to the Cyprus Mail on Monday said her daughter’s health had deteriorated quite quickly.
“The tumours appeared to have shrunk and doctors were reducing Alethea’s cortisone intake, we thought she was doing well.”
But she then began to suffer with stomach pains. “At first doctors put this down to a side effect of the medicine, but unfortunately this was not the case.”
Aletheas cancer had spread to her stomach and just over a week ago she was admitted to the Paphos friend’s hospice.
“We had been with her and popped home for a quick shower and her husband stayed with her. She died at 8.30pm on Saturday evening.”
Hilda once again expressed the thanks of all of Alethea’s family for the help and support shown to them by the people of Paphos and said that Alethea’s funeral would be open to anyone who wished to attended.
The funeral will be held tomorrow at 4pm at the main church in Mesoyi in Paphos.
“We are asking for donations to be made to the Friends Hospice instead of flowers,” she said, “although, of course people may bring flowers if they wish.”
