Mum's tribute to daughter after 'courageous' fight against cancer

A woman has paid tribute to her "courageous" daughter who has lost her three-year battle with a rare form of cancer for which she raised thousands of pounds in a bid to beat the illness abroad.

In 2024, Madi Foster from Stafford had to raise £21,000 to pay for treatment in the United States that was not offered on the NHS.

A fundraising appeal went on to raise almost £74,000 and her family said any money left over would go to a cancer charity.

Her mother Nicola Foster said: "Mads fought with remarkable strength, grace, and an irrepressible sense of humour that lit up even the darkest days."

She said her daughter "faced every challenge with bravery and a smile, finding ways to laugh, to lift others, and to remind us all not to take life too seriously".

"Her spirit, wit, and warmth touched everyone who knew her, and she never let her illness define her. Instead, she lived fully, loved deeply, and brought joy wherever she went," she added.

In June 2023 Madi Foster was diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a rare form of cancer which had spread to her left kidney.

She spent almost three months undergoing treatment and major surgery at The National Institutes of Health after £21,000 was raised for her in two days.

The fundraising continued after her treatment, to pay for any additional follow-up care.

Announcing her death on the online fundraising page, her mother thanked people for their kindness "which allowed us to have more time with her".

She said her daughter had requested a "big party to celebrate her life" and a gathering would be held for her at The Stonehouse Hotel in Stone on 19 June, with everyone welcome to attend.

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