02/07/2026
IN MEMORY OF KATE MOORE 🐝
On 28th April 2026, I received a phone call that devastated our entire family. My younger sister, Kate Moore, had been diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer that had already spread to her liver.
Kate had been feeling unwell since October the previous year. She visited her GP several times with what she believed were symptoms of IBS and stress.
When I received the call, I was coincidentally at The Deep in Hull. Kate had moved to the East Riding over 20 years ago after accepting a job as an Art Teacher at Hessle High School, where she had dedicated the last 25 years of her life to inspiring young people.
She absolutely loved her job.
Kate was told to go straight to hospital for surgery. However, when we arrived at Hull Royal Infirmary, we were given the heartbreaking news that it was too late for surgery. The following day she was transferred to Castle Hill Hospital. Three days later, a stent was inserted into her colon and, after nearly two weeks in hospital, we were finally able to take her home. She had very little energy and was incredibly weak.
At her next appointment, we were told that the cancer was extremely aggressive. She would need chemotherapy and targeted therapy every two weeks. We were told that, with treatment, she might have 30 months to three years to live, or just 10 to 12 months without treatment. Although still in complete shock, Kate remained positive and immediately started talking about plans to create as many special memories as possible with her two boys, aged 20 and 22, and with the rest of her family.
At her following appointment, Our older Sister Suzanne again raised concerns about how quickly her health was deteriorating.
The medical team said they wanted to begin chemotherapy immediately, but she had another 3 weeks wait.
On the Wednesday, Kate attended hospital to have a PICC line fitted ahead of starting chemotherapy the following Monday. I mentioned that her eyes had developed a yellow tint, so further blood tests were taken. Later that day, Kate received a call asking her to return to hospital.
I took her back at 3pm. She wasn’t seen by a doctor until 10pm, when we were told she needed a scan to determine whether a stent could be placed in her bile duct.
The following morning, the consultant explained that while the scan might show a blockage that could be treated, it could also reveal that her liver was failing. When we asked how long she had left if that was the case, we were told it would only be weeks.
The next day, our worst fears were confirmed. Kate’s liver was failing.
Just eight days later, my beautiful sister passed away.
I spent every night by her side in hospital, and throughout those final eight days she was never alone.
Family and friends made sure someone was always with her, surrounding her with the love.
We will never truly understand how Kate could be taken from us just seven weeks after her diagnosis, especially when we were told the cancer had likely been growing for more than ten years.
Kate’s funeral will take place on Monday 20th July 2026 at:
Haltemprice Crematorium
Main Street
Willerby
Hull
HU10 6NS
Kate requested flowers from her boys only.
Instead of floral tributes, she asked that donations be made to Reach Out to the Community.
Kate was incredibly proud of the charity I founded in 2016. In fact, two years ago, while unknowingly living with cancer, she took on the challenge of running the Manchester Marathon to raise money for the charity, a testament to her strength & kindness.
Any donation, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated and will help us continue supporting people experiencing homelessness and poverty.
Thank you for your kindness, your generosity and for helping us honour Kate’s memory.
Stephanie Moore ❤️
https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/in-memory-of-kate-moore
