'A beautiful and kind human' - Irish woman dies in Spain just weeks after cancer diagnosis

A fundraiser has been launched in Thurles, Co Tipperary, to help bring home the body of a young woman who passed away in Spain just weeks after being diagnosed with leukaemia.

Samantha Kimene, aged just 25, had been living in Spain for the past three years and began feeling unwell a few weeks ago and was soon diagnosed with both leukaemia and Covid-19. Despite initial signs that treatment might help, her condition deteriorated rapidly and she sadly passed away last week.

Her family, devastated by the sudden loss, are now trying to raise funds to bring her remains back to Ireland so she can be laid to rest at home in Tipperary.

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Writing on the GoFundMe page, her uncle Arturs said: “Just three weeks ago, my sister got a call that she was in hospital with cancer and Covid. She underwent treatment, but it didn’t work. Please help us bring her home for a proper funeral.” 

Samantha worked in the popular Irish bar Paddy O'Kelly's in Playa de las Americas in the south of Tenerife. The bar posted a heartfelt tribute on their social media expressing their condolences following Samantha's untimely passing.

The post on Facebook says,

"It’s with a heavy heart that our colleague and friend, Sam has sadly passed away. She was a valued part of our team and will be deeply missed. A beautiful and kind human with the biggest smile. 

“We’re still in shock and heartbroken. Please keep her family in your thoughts during this difficult time.

"This is an official GoFundMe from her family to help raise money to get her back to Ireland with her family and friends. If anyone would like to donate then it will mean a lot. We will be organising a fundraiser to help too.

"Rest in Peace Sam. You will be greatly missed. Lots of love, Your Paddy O’Kelly's family."

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The Thurles-based campaign is appealing to the local community and beyond for support during this difficult time.

Donations can be made through the fundraiser page, with all funds going directly toward covering the costs of repatriation and funeral arrangements.