Tributes have been paid to the co-founder of the UK's first friendship app for people affected by cancer following her death.
Emma Adams, co-founder of Hope to Connect, died on April 29 following what friends described as a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a growing community inspired by her compassion, determination and honesty.
Emma, known as Em, launched the Ipswich-based project alongside close friend Mandeep Birdy after the pair bonded through their shared experiences of cancer and loss.
The Hope to Connect platform, which is currently in development, aims to become the UK’s first friendship app specifically designed to support people living with or affected by cancer by helping them build meaningful connections with others facing similar experiences.
Mandeep said the pair developed an immediate friendship after meeting in February last year and quickly realised they shared the same mission of tackling the loneliness many people experience during cancer treatment and beyond.
“People swan in and out of our lives, but when one sticks, when they leave a lasting impression on your life, it’s so special,” she said.
“It has been such an honour to walk side by side with Emma this past year on a shared purpose.”
Even as Emma became increasingly unwell during the final weeks of her life, Mandeep said her passion for the project never faded.
“Even when she became too poorly to be as involved as she wanted to be during the final weeks of her life, it was still such a joy to see that sparkle in her eyes during our catch-ups and the pride she felt in what we were creating together,” she said.
Earlier this year, the pair brought hundreds of people together at Trinity Park in Ipswich for two cancer awareness world record attempts designed to honour and support everyone affected by the disease.
The event, held on April 11, successfully achieved the world record for the most signatures on an awareness ribbon and also raised funds for five grassroots cancer charities.
Although an attempt to create the world’s largest human awareness ribbon was not achieved on the day, organisers said plans remain in place to try again in the future as part of continuing Emma's legacy.
In the tribute to Emma, people said she will be "remembered not only for her resilience, but for her tenacity, warmth, humour, honesty, and extraordinary spirit.
"Emma offered comfort, encouragement, and hope with remarkable grace and authenticity - even throughout her own cancer journey.
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"In the days since her passing, tributes and messages of love have poured in from friends, supporters, families, and members of the cancer community whose lives Emma touched forever."
Mandeep said watching her friend’s health decline had been heartbreaking, but she remained determined to continue the work they began together.
“As anyone who has supported or lost someone to cancer will understand, it became heartbreaking to watch Em begin to slip away,” she said.
“There are no words for it.
"At this time, my heart and thoughts are with Em’s daughter, her family, and her close friends, and with every person grieving a loved one, not only after their passing, but also in those moments beforehand, when the fear of losing them makes your heart sink and your mind race with ‘what ifs’.
"This is a deep loss, and one that will be felt for a very long time.
“It has been a privilege to bring Hope to Connect to life with Em and to walk these first footsteps beside her.
“I will miss Em in every moment while continuing Hope to Connect, but building the app so it becomes the resource we both dreamed it could be will be a great honour.”
Anyone who has been touched by cancer and would like to help make the Hope to Connect app a reality can support the mission by donating via the Hope to Connect website: hopetoconnect.com
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