![Marlene Duncan [R] with husband Michael [L] and daughter Megan [C]](https://wpcluster.dctdigital.com/pressandjournal/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/11/Marlene-Duncan-e1478174254106.png)
The daughter of a north-east woman who died when her “insides turned to china” has spoken about her family’s difficult Christmas as their fundraising campaign continues.
Earlier this year Peterhead mother Marlene Duncan lost a harrowing battle with a little-known form of systemic scleroderma.
The incredibly rare disease caused the 49-year-old’s immune system to attack the connective tissue around her digestive tract.
As her organs healed and scarred over, the hardened tissue inside Marlene gradually stopped them from working. Her tragic diagnosis came after she was rushed to hospital exactly two years ago.
The dying wish of the JobCentre employee was that no other families should suffer the pain and heartbreak which husband Michael and daughter Megan endured for more than 18 months.
After her death Mr Duncan said his wife would be “smiling” if they were able to support other families.
He said: “Words cannot describe how bad it was. To have watched a healthy woman disappear like that – you knew she was in pain, but she never complained.
“Marlene just didn’t deserve it. At the end of the day, no matter what happened, she always said thank you.”
The doctors and nurses who treated Mrs Duncan later said they had never witnessed such a severe case of scleroderma or a patient’s condition deteriorate so quickly.
Since Marlene’s death in July, the Duncans – with the support of their friends – have raised more than £5,600 for charity Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK which supports others with the rare condition.
Last night Megan said: “The run up to Christmas hasn’t been easy. We would like to thank all our family, friends and everyone who has been involved in the cause for their help and support.
“We are having a bag pack at Morrisons supermarket in Peterhead on Saturday January 14 and we need some helpers.
“Then we are having an 80s disco on Saturday March 25 at Peterhead Football Club. Tickets are £10 each.”
A quiz night at Peterhead FC’s Balmoor stadium gave a big boost to the campaign, bringing in £2,324 and a further £910 with a Christmas fair raffle.
The Duncans are also appealing to local businesses to join their campaign to battle scleroderma.
To donate to Marlene’s Memories visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/marlenesmemories