THE family of a North-East mother have urged all young women to get checked for breast cancer following her death from an aggressive form of the disease.
Mother-of-two Laura Hodgson was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer last year, and her family were attempting to raise £100,000 so she could travel to the US in a last ditch attempt to find treatment.
But tragically, the 35-year-old from Billingham passed away on Sunday after she picked up an infection which she could not recover from.
Her family have now vowed to use the near £40,000 which has already been raised to help others with the disease, with donations going to the chemotherapy day unit at North Tees hospital, Cancer Research UK and The Willow Foundation, which helps to provide special and unforgettable days to seriously ill young adults.
They also want to use some of the money raised to create a memorial to celebrate Laura's life.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Laura's sister Michaela Morton said: "I would like to thank every person that donated, shared and supported our fight to support Laura.
"An angel grew its wings on Sunday night after Laura had an infection which her body could not recover from. Laura died peacefully with her family by her side.
"With the overwhelming generosity of everyone who donated, as a family we would like to donate to the chemotherapy day unit at the University Hospital of North Tees and The Willow Foundation.
"Laura made a monthly donation to Cancer Research UK and I know she would greatly appreciate some of the donations going towards finding a cure.
"We would also like to use some of the money for a memorial to celebrate Laura's life. This is something her children, family and friends can treasure."
Last week, Mrs Morton said the family had been "overwhelmed and truly grateful for everyone's generosity" in raising money for Laura through the Go Fund Me page, which was set up so she could continue to spend "Christmases, birthdays and morning snuggles" with her husband, Stephen, five-year-old daughter and three-year-old son.
They had been in contact with specialists in the US after being told she couldn't get treated on the NHS.
To donate, visit visit www.gofundme.com/letshelpmorty.
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