The family of Cassidy Ley, who died recently at the age of 21, have shared tributes to the “determined, independent and brave” young Ventnor woman.

Family members, friends and celebrity Chris Evans, who met her at his CarFest event, joined the tributes to her bravery and determination.

Cassidy was born on July 1, 2004, at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport. To Tracie and Dave Ley, and had a younger half-brother, Franky. The former St Francis Primary and Island Free School pupil passed away in Naomi House and Jacksplace Hospice on October 1.

At her funeral last month, celebrant Caroline Ash spoke of the short but full life that Cassidy had led despite the severe health challenges she faced from birth. She spent her entire life in and out of hospitals including Great Ormond Street in London and the concluding chapter was spent at Jacksplace and Naomi House.

While in London for treatment, if she was well enough, Cassidy and her mum would take in a West End show, particularly the musicals Cassidy loved – Six, Wicked, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, amongst others.

Another love was food. Cassidy had to take on a lot of calories due to her conditions, pasta, cheese and Italian food were firm favourites, as well as four or five course breakfasts in the mornings. She truly loved crisps and if anyone she knew was taking a trip abroad, she always requested they bring her some foreign crisps home so she could try some new flavours and textures.

Cassie had a natural affinity with babies and children and volunteered at the playgroup in Ventnor, a role that she loved and came so naturally to her.

Cassidy also loved live concerts. Jessie J was a firm favourite and earlier this summer, she and Tracie attended the Capital Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium, and a few weeks later, saw Olivia Rodrigo. Last year, a very generous friend of the family donated two tickets for Cassie and her mum to attend Taylor Swift’s Eras tour in London.

A very special person in Cassidy’s life was her girlfriend, Emily. They meant the world to one another and shared many key moments and adventures.

In 2018, Cassidy went on a Dream Flight charity trip to Florida. It was an amazing experience which saw her swimming with dolphins whilst she was there.

Early in 2024, Cassie received the devastating diagnosis that she had just 6-12 months to live but she defied those odds. Celebrant Caroline told the congregation at the funeral: “Just as she’d always done, Cassidy was determined, independent and brave in how she dealt with the challenges that she faced.”

A Go Fund Me Appeal, set up by Liz Morris and Jodie Lacey, enabled Cassidy to experience a lifetime of adventures in just a matter of months.

In the last year, Cassidy was asked to become an ambassador for Jacksplace, a role that she loved. She attended CarFest, met Chris Evans and gave a speech to a large crowd, and although it was a tiring day, she didn’t seem fazed at all. As part of her ambassador role, Cassidy wrote about her life. These are some of her own words.

‘I’m Cassidy, from the Isle of Wight. While I’m fortunate to have a strong support network of lots of family and friends, it’s just me and mum (my full-time care, but also my closest companion) at home.

“I like to think of myself as generally being quite shy and reserved but also at the same time being fairly self-assured and at ease around people I know well. I’d also regard myself as both sufficiently articulate and eloquent. 

“I don’t have specific hobbies, but I enjoy reading, embroidery, and music when my health allows. Theatre and musicals are my greatest passion, they provide a much-needed escape.

“Living on the Isle of Wight, I love spending time outdoors when it’s warm enough, whether meeting loved ones for a walk or brunch. Every day is unpredictable, so we take things as they come.

“Despite the immense challenges I face daily, I still find moments of joy with the people I love whenever my condition allows. While my symptoms never subside, and every activity comes with pain and exhaustion, I cherish the times I can engage in things that bring me happiness.

“Whether that’s spending time with family, enjoying a favourite musical, or simply sharing a conversation. These moments may be fleeting and often require immense effort, but they remind me that there is still light even in the darkest of days.”

At the funeral, Cassidy’s mum, Tracie, said:

“Even though I’ve always known that I would never have enough time on this earth with her, nothing could ever have prepared me for losing her. She has left a hole so big in my heart and life that I know can never be filled.

“But how lucky am I to have had such an amazing daughter. Despite suffering immeasurably everyday she still managed to enjoy and make the most of life, and I can honestly say I never once heard her complain or utter the words, ‘Why me?’.”

Chris Evans sent these words to the family:

“I cannot tell you how meeting her at CarFest changed me as a human being.
“Whereas on many occasions, I have been the first to shed a tear upon meeting countless children and adults cruelly challenged by the kind of adversity that would make the rest of us do little more than cry, ‘Why me?’ 24/7 – Cassidy instilled nothing but strength and joy.”

Tracie Ley and Jodie Lacey thanked everyone who had offered help and support during Cassidy’s life, including the Ventnor and Island community and specifically The Royal British Legion Ventnor, Bonchurch Inn, Mill Bay Inn, White Lion, Arreton, and Isle of Wight Radio for the IW Festival tickets donation, as well as offering special thanks to Naomi House and Jacksplace hocpice.

In April this year Cassidy wrote an article for the IW Observer on the importance of the hospice movement – you can read it HERE.