A popular businessman and his wife have been left devastated after their “brave and beautiful” daughter died following a long battle with a rare cancer.
Abigail Cox, 22, underwent major surgery, gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy after she was diagnosed with bone cancer Ewing’s Sarcoma (ES) in February 2014.
She lost her four year battle against the disease at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on Tuesday morning.
It is the second tragedy to hit Gary Cox and his wife Dawn in recent years following the sudden death of their son Edward in 2016.
Mr Cox, who owns Edwards pub in Inverurie, was too upset to speak about the loss of his daughter yesterday.
However, a family member, who did not want to be named, said last night that she had tried to make the most of her life.
He said: “She had a brave, long fight. She was always positive and never complained.
“When she was able she would join in with family events.
“She tried to live a normal life and had to put up with a lot of travelling to and from hospital.
“It has been a very, difficult journey.”
The relative said the family would struggle to come to terms with her death.
He added: “I feel for Olivia who has now lost her brother and sister.
“She had loads of cousins and they are all in a state at this time.
“Her parents won’t come to terms with this for a long time.”
Miss Cox had travelled to Houston in Texas a year ago for treatment at a specialist centre.
She was able to travel to the United States after a fundraising campaign raised £35,000 in just 24 hours.
Friends paid tribute to Miss Cox on social media yesterday with one describing her as a “beautiful, brave, gorgeous girl.”
Gail Hughes said: “So sad to hear this news. Know we are all thinking about you and the family.
“Lovely to spend time with Abigail recently. She really enjoyed that weekend. A beautiful brave gorgeous girl. Very sad.”
Another post was left by Karina Meldrum who said: “My heart is breaking for you all. Abigail was a true fighter. Thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.”
The family dealt with the devastating blow of losing 19-year-old Edward, who died just hours after his great-uncle Ian Barclay died in a farming accident in 2016.