A MOTHER-OF-ONE who faced lifelong battles with serious illness, ‘but always had a smile on her face’, has died at the age of 45.

But before courageous Julie McCaigue lost her final struggle with bladder cancer she was able to take part in her dream wedding with sweetheart Jimmy — thanks to Pendleside Hospice staff.

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And the former Mansfield High student, who planned her own funeral, insisted that everyone should be ‘pretty in pink’ at the Burnley Crematorium service, which attracted more than 200 members of her family and friends.

Doves were released after the ceremony, The Ardenettes sang during the service and the song Julie and Jimmy performed their first dance as husband and wife to, Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’ was also played.

Her sister Lynne Starkie has paid tribute to the trained hairdresser from Nelson, who defied the medical odds to get married at Stirk House at Gisburn last March.

Jimmy, 52, is the steward at the Warp Dressers Working Mens Club in Nelson.

Lynn, 56, who also lives in Nelson, said: “Her attitude was that she got on with it, She never ever complained, or turned around and said ‘why me?’ “She just got on with her life and always had a smile on her face.

“The doctors said that she would never have children but she proved them wrong and gave birth to Dobbie-Jean, who’s now 16.”

Even as a baby Julie had difficulties, having to undergo a major operation aged just eight months to remove her kidney. She would later suffer from meningitis and has faced a series of neurological operations over the years.

Last December she was informed she had terminal cancer, and was given between six and nine months to live.

In her final months Julie was a frequent guest at Pendleside Hospice in Reedley, where staff created a ‘second home’ for both her and supporters.

Lynn said: “We have got so much to thank the hospice for. I moved in with her during her final stay and they cared for me just as well as Julie.”

Earlier this year hospice staff also got in touch with the charity Gift of a Wedding, which helped to source a venue, dress, photographer and bridal car for Julie’s big day.

“There are no words to describe what they did for us, they are truly angels,” said Lynne, who is now planning to raise funds for the hospice.

She is drawing up plans for a major bash at the Brierfield WMC, in Walter Street, which should be taking place next March.

Popular local singer Josh Hindle, who took to the stage at Julie’s wedding, has been lined up to perform.