Stacey Withington came into our lives in early 2022, joining the She Inspires family as a finalist in the Fitness and Well-being category. From the moment we met her, she exuded a vibrant energy that drew everyone in. When Stacey was sent her time slot for the judging panel, she requested to be moved to the last slot because of a hospital appointment. We didn’t think much of it at the time and were happy to accommodate her.
But when she arrived at the judging panel, she delivered news that left us all stunned. Stacey had just come from that hospital appointment, and doctors had told her she had cancer. I’ll never forget the silence that followed her words. We were sitting there with our panel of judges—Councillor Andy Morgan, Sharon Martin from Bolton NHS, and Dr. Chandeena Roshanlall —each of us speechless. How does someone receive such devastating news and still show up with such grace and hope?
But that was Stacey. Full of life. Full of fight.
From that moment on, Stacey became an integral part of She Inspires. She didn’t just join our events, she embraced every initiative. Whether it was as an Orange Champion, an Empower 50K Advocate, or being part of our 22 Leaders book, Stacey was always there, making her mark. None of my projects ever felt complete without her. Her enthusiasm, her warmth, her refusal to let anything—especially cancer—diminish her zest for life was contagious.
In 2022, she won the She Inspires Award. And then in 2023, despite everything, she came back again as a finalist, this time winning the Stepping Stone Award with its £1,000 cash prize and a year of mentorship. Stacey never stopped planning for the future, never stopped dreaming. Together with Jenny Matthews, Jackie Hyde, and myself, we’d have meetings, mapping out her goals. But even then, Stacey shared with us that her cancer had returned. We offered to put everything on hold, but in true Stacey style, she refused. “I’ll carry on,” she said, as though the disease was merely a passing inconvenience.
She fought, fiercely and beautifully. Even when she was in the hospital, she would bounce back, ready to attend another event or support another cause. She was the life of every party, always with a smile, always with so much love to give.
Maybe, deep down, Stacey knew she was living on borrowed time. Maybe she knew that any day could be her last, and that’s why she lived with such intensity, with such joy. She fought her battle bravely, even seeking private treatment when the NHS had given up. With the support of her incredible friends and community, funds were raised, and she began treatment at a private hospital.
For a while, I thought she’d pull through, as she always had. I was sure she’d come out laughing, full of life, just as she had so many times before. But life can be cruel, and sometimes the brightest flames are the ones that are taken from us too soon.
Stacey, wherever you are, I hope you are at peace, free from pain. Your energy, your courage, your passion for life continue to inspire us all. You are missed beyond words, and your legacy lives on in every heart you touched. Rest in peace, dear Stacey, and know that you will never be forgotten.
Gulnaz
