The best-selling Irish author Emma Hannigan has died following a battle with cancer.
Breast Cancer Ireland confirmed the news this afternoon.
BCI wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of our dear friend Emma Hannigan who lost her battle with cancer earlier today. RIP pic.twitter.com/tlKKR5w2hX
— BreastCancerIreland (@BreastCancerIre) March 3, 2018
Her most recent novel Letters to my Daughters topped the Irish charts only last month.
In 2005, Emma discovered she had a cancer-carrying gene, and since then faced 10 cancer battles.
Speaking about her experiences with the disease, she wrote: "I have found a wonderful outlet in the form of writing. If I had never been ill, I may never have started writing books."
In a blog post in February, she revealed the cancer was terminal.
She is survived by her husband Cian, son Sacha and daughter Kim.
Tributes were paid to Emma today across social media:
The news we never wanted to hear. Even in her last days, @MsEmmaHannigan was still blazing a trail. Her book reached number one and she raised over 100k for @BreastCancerIre . Just extraordinary. Love and thoughts with Cian, Sacha and Kim. We miss her light already. XX https://t.co/NyYAdRcXkV
— Maïa Dunphy (@MaiaDunphy) March 3, 2018
