RIP: Newly wed husband dies from skin cancer amid heartfelt tribute from his wife
Tom Walsh worked outdoors as a gardener and greenkeeper and developed a mole on a part of his head that wasn’t covered by his sun hat. He sadly died last April and his wife pays tribute to him to remind people to be careful during warm spells of weather
Aislinn Walsh, 31, from Dublin lost her husband to melanoma skin cancer last April and has paid tribute to him to remind people to be extra vigilant especially during warm, sunny weather.
Aislinn's husband, Tom Walsh was from The Neale, Co. Mayo, and passed away on April 29th, 2025.
He is sadly missed by his heartbroken wife, his parents Bridie and Padraic, his siblings Damian, Laura, Vincent and Christopher, his parents-in-law Colette and Jimmy, brothers- and sisters-in-law Paul, Dan, Linda, Renata, Áine and Noeleen, his nieces, nephews, godson Dan, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and his wide and cherished circle of friends.
The mole later disappeared, and when he went to his GP about it, they were unconcerned as the mole wasn’t visible and no further action was taken.
Several months later, Tom’s health then took a turn for the worse.
“They never found the primary tumour. They did a brain biopsy in April 2024, when it was confirmed he had melanoma that had spread to his brain. He did a course of palliative radiotherapy for ten days, then immunotherapy which ended in August 2024.
“We got married on the 13th of November last year in Tankardstown House, Co. Meath,” says Aislinn. “We had our wedding day, and it was lovely. Tom looked so handsome, and it was such a great day. There was no sadness at all that day, because he was doing well again at that point."
“We got married on the 13th of November 2024 in Tankardstown House, Co. Meath. We had our wedding day, and it was lovely. Tom looked so handsome, and it was such a great day. There was no sadness at all that day, because he was doing well again at that point.
As Tom’s health continued to decline, Aislinn took time off from her job as a primary school teacher to become his carer. Shortly before he passed away in a hospice, Tom got five nights of care from the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nursing service. This gave Aislinn and her family, who the couple were living with, a chance to sleep and gave them comfort.
“It meant that I was able to get a couple of hours’ sleep, and I can’t imagine how any of us would’ve gotten through those nights without the Night Nurses. They’re literal angels. They’re such special people to do what they do.
“On the fifth night, the night before Tom went to the hospice and passed away, the Night Nurse that came to us was incredible. I had call Tom’s family in Mayo and Lucan to be near.
“When I’m with Tom’s family in Mayo, I feel him there, and when they’re with me, they feel Tom is near too. In everything, his message was always to focus on life and to appreciate that life is a blessing.”
Aislinn adds: “I would just like to share that Tom's cancer journey is only one aspect of a very full, albeit shortened, life. He filled life with friends, family, a job he loved, GAA, music, running, countless cups of tea and so much more.”
''As a teacher, I now feel very strongly in sharing the importance of sun safety in a child appropriate way. I think parents should teach their children to use sunscreen from a young age.
“I also believe free sunscreen should be provided in public places. It would be such a positive step towards skin health. It’s especially important when you consider that the most common cancer in Ireland is skin cancer.
“The benefits of free sunscreen being provided will be reaped, as hopefully it will mean that fewer people will have to go through surgery or treatment for skin cancer, and I’m sure lives will be saved.”