Joanne Morrison, a bodybuilding champion who twice overcame cancer and had to learn to walk again, has died in Suffolk aged 61 – just as she was on the cusp of a new adventure
Joanne Morrison sadly passed away on March 13(Image: Instagram)
A bodybuilding champion who had to relearn how to walk after twice defeating cancer has tragically died aged 61. Joanne Morrison was on the cusp of a new life adventure when she passed away on March 13 in Suffolk following her diagnosis with two brain tumours last year.
The bodybuilder had previously fought cancer on two occasions and went on to achieve championship status. At merely 26 years old, medics informed her she had advanced aggressive cervical cancer before receiving a brain tumour diagnosis at 43.
However, defying the odds, including epilepsy and relearning to walk, Joanne entered the bodybuilding world and secured multiple competition victories. Her close friend, Janet O’Byrne told The Argus: “She had never done anything like that before, but when she decided to do something she was the most determined woman.”
Joanne, previously a physical instructor in the Women’s Royal Army Corps, was also a wellness coach and subsequently authored a book about her experience, Finding the Other Me.
She also registered at King’s College London to pursue a master’s degree in psychology and the neuroscience of mental health.
She journeyed across the globe to locations including Thailand, Australia and Spain whilst working abroad. Joanne had even put down a deposit on a Sicilian property last summer with aspirations of owning her own residence.
However, last August, before finalising the purchase, it was revealed she had two brain tumours, one of which was inoperable.
Her final months were spent at a care home in Suffolk with her family beside her. Devastated Janet described it as an “awful blow” as her “life was about to start the next week”.
“She was an absolute marvel; her fight for life was unbelievable,” she expressed.
“She was vivacious, always smiling and a lovely person. Everyone loved her.”
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