Popular Seven personality Katrina Blowers has posted an emotional tribute for her mother Elizabeth Barnes who died on Saturday, May 4.
The “heartbreaking” farewell comes just over a year after Barnes was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
The 7NEWS 4pm Brisbane presenter shared a series of memories of her beloved mum on Instagram along with the family’s fundraising page, encouraging support for MND research.
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“On Saturday we said goodbye to our mum,” the caption on her Instagram post on Tuesday morning read.
“It was heartbreaking and gruelling but also powerful and amazing.
“Mum was diagnosed with motor neurone disease a bit over a year ago after we started noticing her slurring her speech.”
“Ever the optimist and always stubborn, it was a diagnosis she never accepted.”
Blowers said that as the weeks progressed, the disease “robbed her”. “First of her speech, then her movement, then her ability to swallow and finally her capacity to breathe.
“Watching Mum deteriorate has been agonising.
“But seeing her strength of spirit, her courage and the capacity for love it’s drawn out in those around her, has left me in awe.”
The journalist reflected on her mother’s “huge life” and commitment to serving others as a nurse.
“She was the cliche of a bossy but caring midwife then senior nurse.
“Her bossiness wasn’t so welcome at home, let me tell you, but I’ve lost track of the times her former patients or mentees have contacted me with stories about the depth of compassion Mum showed them and how she changed their lives.
“She was the friend who would house sit, help you move, organise a girls’ trip or a Christmas orphan’s lunch. She was the kind of human who sponsored children, adopted guide dogs and sewed beautiful clothes for stillborn babies.”
Blowers went on to express her “anger” towards the disease and the impact it has.
“At 71 and with so many plans, I’m still incredibly angry at the injustice of this untreatable and incurable disease swooping in out of nowhere and stealing what should have been some of her best years,” she wrote.
“For a so-called ‘rare’ disease, I’ve seen it impact far too many lives around me.”
Blowers said her family has created a donation page, funding research and support for MND in Barnes’ memory. “Mum would get a kick out of continuing to have an impact for good.
“Researchers say they’re on the precipice of a breakthrough.”
The nine accompanying photos posted to Instagram showed the different stages of Barnes’ life, seen spending quality time with her family.
Followers of the journalist took to the comments to share messages of support.
“Your mum was incredible and has left a beautiful legacy, and impact on so many lives. Sending you lots of love and strength,” one said.
“So sorry for your loss Katrina!! MND is so cruel. These pics are beautiful. Love to you,” added another.
Motor neurone disease is a term used to describe a group of diseases that affect nerve cells called motor neurons.
In motor neurone disease, the nerves become damaged and as a result, muscles weaken and waste away, according to MND Australia.
Currently, there is no cure for MND and it is life-limiting.
