Boxer Georgia O’Connor Shares Emotional Account of Cancer Symptoms Dismissed by Doctors Before Her Tragic Death at 25
Professional boxer Georgia O’Connor, from Durham, England, shared a deeply emotional post detailing how her cancer symptoms were repeatedly dismissed by doctors in the months leading up to her tragic death on May 22 at the age of 25.
O’Connor, who had been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis—a chronic inflammatory bowel condition—went public with her battle on January 31 via a heartbreaking Instagram post. In it, she criticized the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) for failing to take her symptoms seriously over a span of 17 weeks, despite her known high-risk health conditions, including both colitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), which increase cancer susceptibility.
“There’s really no easy way to say this, but I have cancer,” she wrote. “For 17 weeks, since early October, I’ve been in constant pain, repeatedly visiting A&E in Durham and Newcastle RVI, convinced something was seriously wrong. I knew from the beginning it might be cancer—I understood the risks.”
She continued, “Not a single doctor listened. No one ordered the scans or blood tests I begged for, even as I cried in agony. They dismissed me. They gaslit me. One even said it was ‘all in my head.’”
By the time O’Connor finally received a diagnosis, the cancer had already spread and blood clots had developed throughout her lungs. “That ALONE could’ve killed me instantly,” she added.
Despite being told the cancer was terminal, O’Connor remained fiercely determined. “They can say it’s terminal all they want—but why the f*** should I believe them? I’m young, I’m fit, and I’m stronger than they’ll ever f***ing understand.”
O’Connor first gained recognition in the boxing world through Team GB, achieving gold at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and securing five national and Commonwealth titles. She also earned medals at both the World and European youth championships.
Turning professional in 2021, she maintained an undefeated record (3-0), with victories over Ester Konecna, Erica Alvarez, and Joyce Van Ee. BOXXER, the promotional company she signed with, issued a heartfelt statement following the news of her death: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Georgia O’Connor. A true warrior inside and outside the ring… the boxing world has lost a talented, courageous, and inspiring young woman far too soon.”
England Boxing also honored her memory, describing her as “a gifted boxer and beloved member of the amateur boxing community,” highlighting her achievements at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth World Championships, and European Championships.
Fellow boxer Joe Laws paid tribute with a photo and the message: “Fighter till the end, rest easy bro.”
Just two weeks before her passing, Georgia married her partner Adriano Cardinali, sharing a photo of her wedding ring with the caption, “The day I married the love of my life.”
In February, she posted a heartfelt message to him, writing: “From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn’t hesitate. He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle by my side. He’s spent every day researching, chasing every option, and making sure I had every chance possible. I’ve never known love like this… You are my safe place, my home. I could search the world a thousand times and never find another man like you.”
