Veterinary nurse April Caton died weeks after diagnosis

Mother-of-two April Caton, from Easton, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2022 after discovering a lump in her left breast. 

The 46-year-old went on to have six rounds of chemotherapy followed by a lumpectomy and radiotherapy. 

Earlier this year, she referred herself back to the breast clinic. 

And on February 14, she was given the news that the cancer had spread to her liver and bone with a prognosis of just weeks, if not days, to live. 

Her husband of more than 20 years, Mark Caton, said: “Even with this news, April didn’t break. Her sole concern and worry was for myself and the kids.   

“Not once did she cry over the diagnosis, prognosis or treatment.   

“No matter how many times I broke down, she was always there for me.”   

A LIFE WELL-LIVED 

April Rose was born on April 8, 1977, and grew up in Chedgrave, near Loddon. 

A former Hobart High School pupil, she went on to become a veterinary nurse and began her career at Catton Veterinary Clinic as a trainee before working her way up to head nurse. 

On September 14, 2001, she married Mark. Together they had two children; Ryan (b.2005) and Ellie (b.2007).  

After the birth of her son, April started cat breeding and ran a small cat sitting business before returning to nursing at Taverham Vets. She also worked at Easton College as a lecturer.  

Later, she moved to the Longwater branch of Taverham Vets and here she trained as a hydro therapist.  

When she fell ill in 2022, she managed the cattery at Longwater. 

Paying tribute on social media, Taverham Vets wrote: “April was a phenomenally kind and caring soul who always put others before herself.   

“She was a truly wonderful veterinary nurse forever championing those around her and providing unwavering support to anyone who needed it.   

“She loved a giggle; the countless laughs and jokes we have shared will be in our memories forever.   

“Her compassion for animals was ingrained, and don’t even dare try to stop her cuddling any cat within her vicinity.”  

She also enjoyed many “wonderful holidays” with her family, including to the USA where she had family.  

Mr Caton added: “She was kind-hearted and always thought of others before herself. She had a good sense of humour and a loving nature. 

“I didn’t love just one thing about her, I loved everything.” 

She died on March 1 at Priscilla Bacon Lodge.  

Her funeral will take place on Monday, March 25 at 11am at Colney Woodland Burial Park. No black to be worn and donations for Priscilla Bacon Lodge.

A WORTHY CAUSE 

Since her death, her loved ones have gone on to raise thousands of pounds for the Priscilla Bacon Lodge based at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital in Colney. 

'Team Taverham’, along with April's family and friends, completed a walk in her honour on Sunday, March 3. In total, £5,615 has been raised to date. 

Mr Caton said: “The curse of this disease cannot be underestimated and having to watch my April fall victim to its ruthlessness was utterly heartbreaking.  

“Without the support of the Priscilla Bacon Lodge and its amazing staff I know these days would have been beyond anyone’s capabilities. Both physically, emotionally and mentally. 

“These facilities are so very limited yet so very vital.”  

• Visit the Just Giving link at https://www.justgiving.com/page/abigail-pring-1708453869773 to donate to the fundraiser in April's memory.
• To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk         
• To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.