Beachlands resident Gemma Malins has died after a two-year battle with skin cancer.
As reported by the Times (Times, May 4, June 15)., Gemma was diagnosed with stage four melanoma in 2019. She’d previously had a job with the local after school care, studied early childhood education and worked in two daycare centres.
In late May she was given the devastating news that her treatments weren’t working.
She was given months to live. She died on August 29.
The Pohutukawa Coast community rallied together to help fund her bucket list, which included swimming with dolphins, horse riding and riding a ferris wheel.
She enjoyed going out for walks and to the beach, eating out, gardening and spending time with her family and friends. She was a member of the Beachlands Baptist Church – her faith and church continuously supported her.
Pastor Neil Harrison told NZ Herald that a large memorial service for Gemma will be held when Auckland reaches alert level 1.
He says Gemma’s family’s grief is even more pronounced with the level 4 restrictions as they cannot conduct a celebration of her life yet.
Gemma was much-loved by her family and her husband Brandon.
