A former local journalist who later went into PR before moving to New Zealand has died aged 44.

Louise Scott-Gallagher, pictured, began her career as a journalist with the Tyrone Constitution and Tyrone Courier newspapers.

She later became a press officer for the Ulster Unionist Party before moving to New Zealand ten years ago with her husband, Craig.

Louise died at her home in Queenstown on the South Island on 20 May after a long battle with cancer.

Louise had originally been diagnosed with cancer in April 2023 when she was 11 weeks pregnant.

She subsequently underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy, and her daughter Lily was born two months early so she could begin additional treatment.

However, a year ago, a CT scan revealed that the existing tumours had grown and new tumours had developed.

Her sister Andrea set up a GoFundMe page to help her family pay for further treatments, with most of the £60,000 raised coming from the Gillygooley community near Omagh, where Louise grew up.

At the time, Louise had said:  “My biggest driver is that I survive long enough for Lily to remember me.

“I hope one day Lily can take her kids to Ballintoy Harbour and say, ‘I came here with my mummy’ or, when she’s listening to music, say ‘daddy, I remember mummy loved that song’ or ‘mummy used to make this dinner for me’.

Her siblings Andrea, Diane and Robert said: “Without Louise, our family will never be the same again.

“We will never forget her and we will ensure that we remember Louise in everything we do and ensure that her husband Craig and daughter Lily remain a significant part of our lives. Louise will live on through Lily. This is our promise to Louise.”

Louise worked for the UUP as a press officer from 2007 to late 2010.

Former Fermanagh-South Tyrone MLA and MP Tom Elliott, who was leader during part of that time, said: “Louise was very affable, and very intelligent,” he said this week.

“She was very popular with everyone – even if they disagreed with Louise on some issues, it was impossible not to like her.

“From her time in journalism at the Tyrone ‘Con’ to working for the party, all the other parties had a good relationship with Louise.”