Courageous Michele, who used her final days to warn fellow mesh victims of the risks, dies after cancer battle

THE courageous mesh victim who used her final days to warn other women of the risks has lost her fight against cancer.

Michele McDougall, 55, from Leith, Edinburgh, died in her daughter Lauren’s arms on Tuesday.

Despite knowing she had just days to live, Michele spoke out in The Sunday Post against the use of plastic polypropylene implants.

Michele, who devoted her life to community learning projects, revealed she was unable to get chemotherapy following six mesh implants to treat a hernia.

She told The Post: “I can’t prove mesh killed me. But I do know it prevented me getting the chemotherapy that might have given me more time.”

From her bed at St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh, Michele said: “It’s given me peace knowing I did what I could to let people see what can happen when mesh goes wrong.

“I know time has run out for me, but my voice has been heard so others learn about mesh dangers.”

Brave mum dying from cancer speaks out after controversial mesh treatment left her too weak for chemo

Her daughter Lauren, 31, said: “Telling her story gave mum huge comfort in her final days.

“Even with news her cancer was terminal it was typical of mum to speak out to warn others.

“Mum is free from the pain that destroyed so many years of her life.”

Mesh survivor Claire Daisley, 48, from Greenock, said: “We are devastated to lose her, but take comfort knowing she is free from the pain she’s been forced to suffer.

“We made Michele a promise that we will fight on in her memory.”

Michele had told how, after 20 years struggling with the crippling side effects of mesh implants in her groin and abdomen, she was diagnosed with vaginal neuroendocrine cancer last June.

MSP Neil Findlay said: “Michelle wanted to warn the world of the dangers of mesh, she reached out to try and prevent others suffering.”

Elaine Holmes from Scottish Mesh Survivors said: “She was an inspirational women who will never be forgotten.”