Rainbow Ball tribute to brave Islandmagee teenager

The launch of Michelle’s book Time To Take My Life Back coincided with the first anniversary of the death of the 17-year-old from a rare form of cervical cancer.

Time To Take My Life Back is Michelle’s personal account of her six years of treatment and period of remission.

Sadly, Michelle, a former pupil, of Downshire School, in Carrickfergus,lost her battle and passed away on February 27, 2013.

The book recalls her experiences throughout diagnosis and treatment and her inspirational journey, explaining the highs and lows of living with the disease.

Her family said: “Michelle should have been celebrating her 18th birthday this month, but instead, the family are launching her book on her behalf.

“Michelle came up with the idea to write about her experiences during the time she was receiving treatment for cancer and then publish and sell the book to raise money for local children’s cancer charities and organisations that supported her and her family during her six years of illness.

“We see her Rainbow Ball book launch event as Michelle’s wish to celebrate her book and memory of her, as a tribute to her bravery in sharing her experiences with us.

“During her illness, Michelle was always ready to face the world with a smile, no matter how she was feeling, and in doing so, revealed her true passion for life, in her own words – Live-Laugh-Love. Her motto inspires the future success of her foundation.

Time To Take My Life Back describes Michelle’s inspirational journey to overcome a rare form of cervical cancer.

From diagnosis at age 11, the book documents the endless treatments and operations through her courageous fight during adolescence to live a ‘normal’ life. She tells her story in a fresh and direct style, giving account of the highs and lows of living with cancer, her reasons for remaining positive and her many coping strategies.

Michelle loved her family, as well as being a “loving, beautiful and determined young lady who always carried herself with the utmost dignity during her illness, always ready to face the world with a smile, no matter how unwell she was feeling”.

“Michelle wanted to share her book with everyone to inspire young people and everyone, not only those who are ill but those who struggle with everyday life. The message behind the book is to stay positive and keep fighting to survive and live the life you have been given – and don’t give in.”

Since Michelle passed away, The Michelle Peacock Foundation has been set up as a platform to raise money so that other children’s cancer charities chosen by the foundation can also benefit.

Michelle Peacock Foundation has already organised fundraising events and will be holding a range of events in the future to raise donations to promote community youth activities and promotional funding events in her name.

The Blue Circle Sailing Club in Magheramorne, was chosen as the venue for the sell-out book launch and Rainbow Ball to reflect Michelle’s pride in her local community and the area where she grew up.

The book is currently available to order from www.michelle-peacockfoundation.com and retails at £7.99 + postage.