Boxer Georgia O'Connor said doctors 'refused to listen' in heartbreaking post before her death
Tributes are pouring in for professional boxer Georgia O'Connor, who tragically passed away on Thursday at the age of 25.
O'Connor, a rising star in British boxing, revealed earlier this year that she had been diagnosed with cancer – an illness she claimed was repeatedly dismissed by doctors despite her worsening symptoms.
In a powerful and heartbreaking message shared on social media in January, the undefeated fighter detailed her battle with the disease and the frustration she faced trying to get help. She alleged that for over four months, doctors overlooked clear warning signs, leaving her in agony and without answers.
'There's really no easy way to say this, but I have cancer,' she wrote on January 31. 'Now that's out the way, it's time to expose the absolute incompetent RATS that have allowed this to happen.'
O'Connor, who had previously been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis – two conditions that significantly increase cancer risk – said she repeatedly expressed her concern that something was seriously wrong. Despite this, she said her pleas were ignored.
'For 17 weeks since the start of October, I've been in constant pain,' she wrote. 'I said from the start I felt it was cancer. I KNEW the risks. Not one doctor took me seriously…
'They refused to scan me. They refused to investigate. They REFUSED to listen. One even told me it was 'all in my head.'
She went on to describe how her cancer had spread by the time she was finally diagnosed. In the same post, she revealed she also had multiple blood clots in her lungs, any one of which could have been fatal. Georgia O'Connor. Pic: Instagram
O'Connor didn't hold back in her criticism of the NHS, calling it a 'broken system' that failed her when she needed it most. 'They can say it's terminal all they want,' she said. 'But after taking 17 weeks to figure out what was wrong with me, why the f**k should I believe them?'
Despite her grim prognosis, O'Connor ended her message with defiance and hope: 'I'm young, I'm fit, and I am stronger than they'll ever understand. I'm still smiling and that smile will NEVER fade.'
O'Connor had an accomplished amateur career, including a gold medal at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games. She turned professional with Ben Shalom's BOXXER promotion and remained unbeaten in her three professional bouts.
Following the news of her passing, BOXXER released an emotional statement:
'We are heartbroken by the passing of Georgia O'Connor.
A true warrior inside and outside the ring, the boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon.
'Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at BOXXER. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.'
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