Fighting for life THE CHARITY QUEEN

A cancer ‘thriver’, Olivia was determined to use her experience to help others heal

After first being diagnosed with breast cancer, Olivia made it her mission to prioritise her health and embraced wellness – both physically and mentally.

She also always felt very connected to nature and relied on it – in conjunction with conventional and alternative therapies to nurture her throughout her life’s battles.

“I feel very passionately that we need to take care of the planet and everything on it,” she once said. “Whether it’s saving the Amazon or just being kind to those around you, we need to take care of each other and Mother Earth.”

Olivia was also very passionate about the medicinal benefits of cannabis oil, thanks to her husband John, who is a big fan. “It helped me a lot and should be available for patients, particularly those going into palliative care. I feel it’s my duty to talk about it,” she said of the substance.

Despite coping with cancer, a determined Olivia always refused to be defined by the disease. “I don’t call it ‘my cancer’ it’s ‘the cancer’,” she said. “You don’t own it.” Ultimately, she said that living well was the key to her inner peace, a belief that sustained her until the end.