Cancer mum Natalie Murphy dies

Natalie Murphy with her 2-year-old son Jackson. Photo / Richard Robinson

A woman whose bravery in the face of terminal cancer sparked an outpouring of compassion across New Zealand has died.

Natalie Murphy, 34, discovered a lump in her breast a day before her son was born in July 2009.

In December, she was told she would be lucky to live two more months.

She told the Herald of her decision to live every day to its fullest and asked for help to pay for her funeral so her husband of almost 10 years, Greg, and 2-year-old son, Jackson, did not have to worry about the costs.

Her courage and determination to cram as much life as possible into the time she had left inspired a flood of support from Herald readers.

Many people said her story left them moved and inspired by her courage and attitude towards an unimaginable situation.

A statement posted on Mrs Murphy's Facebook page today said she had died surrounded by the people she loved the most.

Her death was met with a "deep and sorrowful" heart, and family would welcome support and kindness in the months ahead, the statement said.

Many of her friends reacted in shock and sadness at the news of her death.

Mandy Hoskin said: "Rest in peace angel, taken from us far too soon. Natalie Murphy forever in our minds and hearts."