Rebecca Judd pays tribute to friend who tragically died, age 38

The Melbourne WAG has shared some devastating news with followers, prompting an outpouring of support.

Rebecca Judd has announced the tragic death of longtime friend Nicole Cooper following a lengthy battle with bowel cancer.

The 39-year-old Melbourne WAG paid tribute to Nicole, declaring “heaven got a Queen” about the mum-of-one’s tragic death.

Nicole, 38, was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in March 2017 shortly after giving birth to her son Joshua, stating at the time her main symptoms were fatigue and sudden weight loss.

But after “refusing” to give into the condition, she sadly lost her fight on January 10.

“Rest easy my love. I’m so proud to be your friend and so privileged to have shared so many great times with you,” Bec wrote on Instagram Wednesday.

“I’ll open my arms and cuddle Josh hard, just like you’d do, for all the days to come.”

Rebecca Judd has shared her grief after the tragic loss of her friend Nicole Cooper to bowel cancer. Picture: Instagram/BecJudd

In her final hours, Nicole took to her own social media account, sharing a touching photo from her hospital bed with son Josh and her husband Tim.

“When it comes to wrapping up, cancer is not the thing I want to sign out on,” she wrote.

She went on to detail how “scared and vulnerable” she has been as she became “weak” from the cancer in her body – but added how “wonderful” it was that she had the “joy” of being able to “build” a family.

Friends and loved ones have already begun paying their respects to Nicole, explaining she “fought” cancer like no one else.

“My heart is broken, you are the most inspiring woman I know. You taught us so much and we are all better people for knowing you Nic,” one said.

“I am not sure I will ever find the words. Or know how to express I’m words exactly how much of a loss this is to all of us,” another added.

While one grief-stricken friend wrote: “Nic, I can’t believe I am reading this. I had messaged you to check in and was hoping for a reply. I have no words.”

Nicole passed away on January 10 surrounded by her family. Picture: Instagram/NicoleCoopy

The 38-year-old leaves behind husband Tim and son Josh. Picture: Instagram/NicoleCoopy

Nicole publicly documented her health battle on social media and launched The Impatient Podcast as a way to help other cancer patients and improve outcomes.

She also wanted to raise awareness, warning bowel cancer is not just “a disease for old, unhealthy men”.

“I am a young, healthy, active female. I love kale. I love the gym. Don’t assume that you are not in the risk zone,” she wrote on her blog in 2017.

“Anyone can get bowel cancer. You are never too young, old, fit, healthy or invincible.”

She also revealed that at the time of her diagnosis, she had a busy work schedule and an eight-month-old baby to care for, so hadn’t thought much about her symptoms.

“I had lost weight quickly – but I was breastfeeding at the time and was told by many people that I looked fabulous and was SO lucky,” she explained.

“I was also especially tired – pretty understandably as a new mum.”

However, eventually she knew something “didn’t feel right” and decided to see a doctor, thanking her “instincts” for sparking a series of tests that eventually uncovered her metastatic bowel cancer.

She was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2017 but ‘fought’ hard for almost six years. Picture: Instagram/NicoleCoopy

She was admitted suddenly to hospital on Boxing Day after going into a ‘rapid decline’, she said on social media. Picture: Instagram/NicoleCoopy

Nicole was told the cancer was inoperable, and offered “palliative chemo” in an attempt to extend her life. Doctors said she had 18 months to live, at most.

But she “fought” back, undergoing chemotherapy and turning to exercise and after hearing of scientific research that shows exercise can benefit cancer patients.

Despite going into remission in 2018, the cancer unfortunately returned, but Nicole continued to document her battle with the hopes it could help someone else.

Tragically, she was admitted to hospital on Boxing Day after suffering a “rapid decline” during her “low-key” family Christmas.

“I am a huge advocate of living each day for the joy it can deliver. For all of us. We just don’t know what’s going to happen next,” she wrote at the time.

Bowel cancer claims the lives of 5354 Australians every year (103 a week), including 290 people under the age of 50, according to Bowel Cancer Australia.

Symptoms include a change in bowel habits, blood in the stools and abdominal pain, bloating or cramping.

Rectal pain, weight loss and unexplained fatigue can also be signs.

Originally published as Rebecca Judd pays tribute to friend who tragically died, age 38