A UK bodybuilder who beat cancer twice to become a champion has tragically died, aged 61. Joanne Morrison sadly passed on March 13 in Suffolk, after being diagnosed with two brain tumours last year.
Her health battle began aged just 26 when she was told she had aggressive cervical cancer while working as a physical instructor in the Women’s Royal Army Corps. The determined woman from Brighton made a full recovery, however years later, when Joanne was 43, her world turned upside down again when doctors found a brain tumour.
Joanne had to endure emergency brain surgery, which caused her to suffer from epilepsy and impacted her mobility and balance. Despite what was stacked against her, Joanne was described as one of the most positive people.
Her close friend, Janet O’Byrne, told The Argus: “She was an absolute marvel; her fight for life was unbelievable. She was vivacious, always smiling and a lovely person. Everyone loved her.”
She had to learn to walk again over the course of two years, but the “most determined woman” went on to become a champion bodybuilder who won several competitions.
Joanne also became a health coach to help others who had been through similar health struggles, while travelling the world to places like Thailand, Australia and Spain.
But last year while on holiday, Joanne noticed her leg had started to drag. Scans revealed the devastating news that the cancer was back, as doctors found two brain tumours, one of which was inoperable.
The heartbreaking diagnosis came after Joanne had put down a deposit on her dream home in Sicily, Italy.
“Just as she had saved money and was getting her first place, her life was about to start the next week,” her friend said.
Joanne’s last months were spent at a “beautiful” nursing home in Suffolk with her family by her side. The inspiring woman from Brighton had shared her journey on social media with her trademark positivity to thousands of followers.
