Former Bay mum dies following cancer diagnosis just months after birth of son

Rebecca Hyndman, Jeff Hyndman and their son Ben. Photo / givealittle

The former Tauranga mum diagnosed with aggressive cancer less than two months after the birth of her first son, has died.

A social media page set-up for Rebecca Hyndman announced she died early Tuesday morning.

"With a heavy heart we are letting you all know at 05.55 this morning the aspirational Rebecca Hyndman died peacefully with her most beloved husband by her side," a Facebook post states.

"To Rebecca's whanau, our thoughts are with you all at this hard time. Her strength and positivity in even the darkest moments were inspiring. Moe mai ra e te Rangatira. Shine bright our darling angel, gone but never forgotten."

In a heartbreaking tale, Mrs Hyndman and her husband, Jeff - who had tried three years for a baby - found a lump in her stomach shortly after she had given birth to baby Ben on November 28 last year.

Tests revealed it was a gastric tumour and Mrs Hyndman was warned she probably only had months to live.

The shocking news prompted one of Mrs Hyndman's best friends to create a crowd funding page on Boxing Day, in the hope of providing baby Ben and Mr Hyndman financial stability in the event of Rebecca's death.

In just eight days more than 1500 donations raised a kitty of over $95,000. Today the tally stands at over $113,000.

Earlier this year, Mrs Hyndman said it was hard finally getting the baby she'd tried so hard for, only to then not be able to look after him, describing the situation as "not what it should be".

Friend Anna Seccombe says she set up the Givealittle page to provide financial security during a time when the Hyndmans needed it most.

"Rebecca is extremely concerned first for her family," Ms Seccombe said. "She is worried about leaving behind her husband and son without the financial means to allow them time to grieve when she is gone. She also wants them to be able to get on with their lives without having the added burden of financial pressure.

"At a time of the year when most people have more financial pressure, we understand that donating to a stranger is a big ask. But we're asking. Big time. Please help this beautiful family to support [and eventually mourn] their precious Rebecca without having to worry about finances."

Another close friend, Amber Bibby, said it was incredible to see the amount of support from the public.

She said the situation was one of those "cliche things that you don't expect to happen to people who you love".

"How people rally and support ... it's so meaningful," she said.

Mrs Hyndman said "overwhelmed" was an understatement as to how she felt about the support which her family had received.

"It helps make the day a little brighter. Before I leave I have promised everything will be in order," she said.