Air girl's skin cancer death at just 25
The Daily Telegraph
October 03, 2009 12:58PM
AN air hostess whose job meant she could sunbathe in Australia and all over the world has died of skin cancer at 25
Hayley Birch had worked for Virgin Atlantic for four years and topped up her tan at resorts around the globe in her free time.
She sunned herself in hotspots such as Dubai, Australia and Hong Kong.
But she has lost an 18-month battle with cancer - dying just days before a fundraising ball she organised after being told she was terminally ill.
The event will still go ahead tonight, with auction prizes donated by celebs including chef Marco Pierre White, 47 - who became pals with Hayley at another charity fundraiser.
Last night heartbroken mum Penny Birch said Hayley's glamorous job meant she "probably had more sun that most people".
But Penny, of Solihull, West Midlands, added: "She was naturally dark and never overdid it. She was always careful to make sure she didn't burn. It just seems so cruel and unfair."
In December 2007 Hayley discovered a mole on her leg. Tests revealed it was cancerous and it was removed.
Penny said: "We thought that was the end of it, but six months later Hayley found a lump in her groin. She had that removed and the cancer reappeared in her stomach, then in her neck and armpits."
She added: "Hayley never once asked how long she had left - she just threw herself into fundraising."
Australian Girls and Guys please note the tragic story above.