Family tragedy as a mother dies from cancer just days after her daughter rushed home from Australia and almost missed saying goodbye
- Renee West flew from Australia to New Zealand to say goodbye to dying mum
- She begged to be released from quarantine early in case she missed chance
- Ms West was able to spend a few days with her mother before she died of cancer
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
The mother of a woman who rushed home from Australia to say goodbye has died.
Renee West flew back to New Zealand from Melbourne on April 25 to see her mother Lesley Haughey, 59, who was dying of cancer. She had only been diagnosed that month, according to Stuff.
However due to the country's coronavirus restrictions she and her two sons were forced to isolate for 14 days.
Renee West flew back to New Zealand from Melbourne on April 25 to say goodbye to her mother Lesley Haughey, 59, (picture together) who was dying of cancer
Ms West feared their release date of May 9 would be too late and she wouldn't be able to see her mother one last time.
She begged the government for a special exemption to be released from quarantine early.
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Her pleas for help were denied twice.
However when she tested negative for coronavirus on May 7 she was finally able to leave - two days earlier than expected.
Ms West was thankful she got the opportunity to see her mother before she passed away.
Ms West feared their release date of May 9 would be too late and she wouldn't be able to see her mother one last time
The pair got to spend three days together.
'I would have really regretted it if I didn't get to,' she told the publication.
'I said "I love you and it's your time to be free".
'We knew she was ready that day, so we were up all night with her.'
She said the family would only be having a small service as only 50 people can attend outdoor funeral services in New Zealand.
Ms West (pictured with her mother and sister) was thankful she got the opportunity to see her mother before she passed away
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