louise's cancer journey
A Journey of courage, love, and determination
Life-changing news
In January 2021, the family’s life changed forever when Louise was involved in a severe bike crash, breaking several ribs. During her recovery, her doctor noticed that some of Louise’s symptoms didn’t align and sent her for several more tests, and she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Overcoming the odds
By August 2021, Louise was declared cancer-free, and all her family were over the moon. Louise continued participating in multiple triathlons and races and qualified for a second time in triathlon for Great Britain and Ireland.
Louise was determined to chase her dreams. Sadly, Louise was once again diagnosed with cancer in June 2022. That’s when she and the family were informed it was incurable.
Despite this, Lousie found a reinvigorated passion for taking on the world and making the most of every moment. She ensured she continued to be present and cheer on her children at all their sporting tournaments.
“I remember I went on a 10k run with Mum and there’s a particularly steep hill in Jersey and Mum didn’t feel like she could run up it - that’s because she had cancer but didn’t know it.
She said I don’t want to stop, and she got into a mindset and got herself up the entire hill and completed the run. This was how determined she was."
Freddie Bracken-Smith, Louise’s son
Sea swimming
Throughout her cancer journey, Louise’s resilience was inspiring. Every day, she would immerse herself in the cold waters of the sea and shout at the top of her lungs, ‘Come on, universe, heal me now’.
"We used to joke when we met up that she had already swam around Jersey twice that morning! She was unstoppable! She was always thinking about others. Even when she was very ill in the last few months of her life, she collected old rugby boots to be sent to help children in South Africa!
She was the ultimate sportswoman and also the ultimate mother and friend. She was such an inspiration. She would love for others to get a chance to access the sports that she was so passionate about."
Georgie Roberts, Louise’s friend
Appreciating Life
Louise appreciated every single second of life and made the most of the last few months and days, no matter how tired, annoyed or ill she was. Her caring, loving, and competitive mentality always shone through.
"Louise could truly light up a room with her smile - her laugh was ridiculously infectious! Today, I sometimes sit and watch videos of her just so I can hear her laughing - she can still make me laugh - even from the other side.
Despite Lou being a very successful businesswoman, when I think of her, it is sports that always come to the forefront. It really was her true passion. It is so fitting that her legacy will help others succeed in sports"
Liz Marsden, Louise’s friend
Passing away
Louise passed away in July 2023. Testament to just how loved she was, 800 people attended her funeral on the island of Jersey.
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