Angela loses brave battle

Angela Sunkel lost her battle against leukaemia last night.

Hamilton woman Angela Sunkel lost her battle with myeloid leukaemia last night, but she leaves behind a story of courage, humility, perseverance, and love.

Hamilton News covered the Sunkels' story in August, documenting Angela's battle with the aggressive cancer, her 30th birthday, the chance reconnection with lost love Raymond, their perfect wedding, and the gargantuan task of raising $1.3 million for a second stem cell transplant in America.

Yesterday, Angela and Raymond took to Facebook to wish their 4600 followers a happy Labour Day. They posted a picture of themselves at hospital while Angela had her IV antibiotics and high dose vitamin C.

The couple, both smiling, were in high spirits as usual, despite being told Angela had developed a bug in her blood, and had ongoing issues with brain bleeds.

Raymond told their supporters "One of the things to absolutely love about Angela (but also drives everyone crazy) is that she never takes the easy way".

"We really do have some fantastic doctors around. In particular the two superstars in hospital today agreed that while in any other case Angela should definitely be re-admitted to hospital as an inpatient for her treatment, they weigh that against her emotional health and the need to sleep in her own bed and hang out with the family."

As they always did, the couple thanked everyone for all their support, prayers, thoughts and kind words.

"There are so many people to thank and it's just impossible to do so publicly. You guys are honestly the best supporters - your messages of support and belief always arrive exactly on time. We continue to believe our miracle is surely hiding just around the next corner."

At 11.30 last night, Angela died in hospital, Raymond by her side.

Raymond fought through his grief to reach out once again to the community, as he informed them of her passing in an emotional post to the Bone Marrow For Life Facebook page.

"Angie, last night a part of me died with you. I am completely and utterly broken, for you taught me love that I never knew existed and now you are gone."

Angela's funeral will be a tribute to her life, with people expected to turn out in the hundreds.

"As soon as we have details, we will announce a time and place for the celebration of her life. We will ensure it is a large venue as we want you all to come and share with us.

"We opened ourselves up knowing this was a possibility, now we have an obligation to you all to allow you to grieve with us."

Raymond said he would continue on with the Bone Marrow For Life Facebook page for now, allowing people the opportunity to grieve together.

"There are no words for how I feel right now, Ange. May my life be in fitting with your memory. You will be with me forever."

The funds raised for the stem cell transplant will be donated to the Leukaemia Foundation.

A service to celebrate Angela's life will be held at the Gateway Church, 950 Victoria St, Hamilton, on Friday October 31, at 1.30pm. The service is an open invitation to all who wish to join in celebrating Angela's life.