Tragedy as beloved make up artist, 41, dies after ‘courageous’ battle with bowel cancer
A BELOVED make up artist has died following a "courageous" battle with bowel cancer.
Irene Roozbayani, 41, passed away on November 7 after being diagnosed with the disease at the start of the year.
Tragically, the stage four cancer had already spread by the time she received a diagnosis, reports.
Irene underwent several rounds of chemotherapy and bravely continued working even as her condition worsened as she didn't want to let her customers down.
Tributes have now flooded in for the make up artist, who was known to pals as the "Persian Cheryl Cole" due to her resemblance to the singer.
Her dad Yousef Rouzbayani said: "Irene was very generous and happy, and she always liked to make people laugh. Everybody loved her and she was so friendly, always introducing me to new friends that she had made as she grew up.
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"She had expensive taste, I remember that, but I think this really helped her in her career. I have lost the person that was always in my heart, and I will never forget her.
"On her last night, I cuddled her and spoke to her, and even though she couldn't speak back to me, I saw a tear in her eye.
"I want the people who knew here to remember her for the person that she was, and I miss her so much."
Irene was born in Scotland to Iranian parents and moved to South Shields when she was five.
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She began her career working with MAC before leaving to join Charlotte Tilbury at Fenwick in Newcastle.
Irene also did make-up for high-end fashion houses - including Vivienne Westwood.
The signs of bowel cancer you need to know - remember BOWEL
- B:Bleeding
There are several possible causes of bleeding from your bottom, of blood in your poo.
Bright red blood could come from swollen blood vessels, haemorrhoids or piles, in your back passage.
Dark red or black blood could come from your bowel or stomach.
Blood in your stools is one of the key signs of bowel cancer, so it’s important to mention it to your doctor so they can investigate.
2. O: Obvious change in loo habits
It’s important to tell your GP if you have noticed any changes in your bowel habits, that lasts three weeks or longer.
It’s especially important if you have also noticed signs of blood in your poo.
You might notice you need to go to the loo more often, you might have looser stools or feel like you’re not going enough or fully emptying your bowels.
Don’t be embarrassed, your GP will have heard a lot worse! Speak up and get it checked.
3. W: Weight loss
This is less common than the other symptoms, but an important one to be aware of. If you’ve lost weight and don’t really know why, it’s worth mentioning to your GP.
You may not feel like eating, feel sick, bloated and not hungry.
4. E: Extreme tiredness
Bowel cancer that causes bleeding can cause a lack of iron in the body – anaemia. If you develop anaemia you’re likely to feel tired and your skin might look pale.
5. L: Lump or pain
As with lots of other forms of cancer, a lump or pain can be a sign of bowel cancer.
It’s most likely you’ll notice a pain or lump in your stomach or back passage.
See your GP if it doesn’t go away, or if it affects how you eat or sleep
Speaking about her cancer battle, Friend Helena Ganley said: "She was so positive throughout, taking everything in her stride, and she is the bravest person for dealing with it all.
"Her big thing was that she didn't want to upset people, she was still doing everything that she possibly could not to let people down.
"Right at the end, she spent eight days at Marie Curie, and even there she remained positive, and the staff were amazing with her."
In a moving post announcing her death on Instagram, Irene's loved ones said she passed away after a "courageous battle with cancer".
They added: "Thank you to everyone who has been a part of Irene’s journey, she loved each one of you and would appreciate all of the love.
"Sleep tight Roozy, we love you."
