New bride who made magical memories for her children passes away

Louise Walsh

A NEWLY-WED bride who ensured she made happy memories with her children after a terminal cancer diagnosis just five months ago, has passed away.
Tributes have been pouring in on the death of ‘ever-smiling’ Kim Allen (34) from Kells, Co. Meath who lost her short battle with an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer last Tuesday evening.
A GoFundMe page, set up by her sister Wendy Coyle last May, was swamped by donations from hundreds of well-wishers from all over the world wanting to help the mum-of-two make lasting memories with her children.
Despite her illness, Kim managed to bring her son Dean (17) and daughter Lauren (11) to fun-filled places, including EuroDisney, Amsterdam and on a helicopter ride, just three weeks ago.
She even got to marry the love of her life Martin Allen (who took her name in her memory) in a ceremony in June.

_{Kim looked absolutely stunning on her wedding day back in June}

Her sister Wendy, whose own children Taylor and Brandon were extremely close to Kim, said the family felt very privileged to have been able to care for Kim alongside her husband and the palliative care team.
“We are heartbroken and devastated but we’re also so proud and so privileged to have been part of her life.
“She was always positive and surrounded by positive people and even in illness, she was an inspiration,” she said.
“She planned ahead and brought forward her daughter’s 12th birthday, which is next week, in case she wasn’t around. She organised a bouncy castle and unicorn cake as a surprise when she brought friends home from school.
“What was left of any money donated, she used to buy her son a car for his 18th birthday. She was always, always thinking of others and always made people feel special, no matter how long she met them for.
“She was cremated with her wish for her ashes to be buried under a tree in the homes of her children when they settled down in life in future years.
“People are telling us how she changed their lives or helped them in some way and we are so proud of her legacy.
“What gave us the most comfort is the beautiful smile she had when she passed, in the company of her son Dean.”

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_{Kim married love of her life Martin in a beautiful ceremony.}

Just last May in a statement, Kim thanked all the people who had donated to the GoFundMe page saying:
“When I got the news of my illness, my world was turned upside down and honestly, I felt completely and utterly broken.
“But I have been overwhelmed with the amount of love that family, friends and complete strangers have shown to me.
“I look forward to spending time with my family in the coming weeks and creating new memories that I would not have had the opportunity to experience without the support of all the people who donated.”

_{Kim with Dean and Lauren in Paris}

Predeceased by her step-father John Maguire, Kim is survived by her husband Martin, children Dean and Lauren, parents Joanne and James, siblings Shauna, James, Tracey, Wendy and Dawn, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.