TRIBUTES have flooded in for a much-loved and respected mum who has passed away from cancer aged 27.

Ashleigh Whitaker died after a year-long battle with a Ewing Sarcoma – a rare form of cancer for which she had undergone treatment.

However tragedy struck when Ms Whitaker, from Haslingden, suffered a sudden relapse.

The popular hair stylist, much-loved mother, daughter and friend passed away surrounded by loved ones on February 3.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Ashleigh with her son

Since then over £9,000 has been raised in her memory – with hundreds paying tribute to the ‘inspirational’ woman through an online fundraiser.

All proceeds will go towards funeral costs, easing the financial burden on Ms Whitaker's family.

A statement on the page reads: “As you may or may not be aware, Ashleigh passed away on the 3rd of February surrounded by her family, after a long and courageous battle with Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.

“Her strength and determination throughout was inspirational, supported by her amazing family.

“Ashleigh leaves behind her fiancé Mitchell, son Jordan, brother Nathan, her mum Dianne, her dad Simon and step mum Denise.

“Please let us all help in Ashleigh’s funeral costs. Let us give the family time to grieve and let money be the last thing on their mind.

“Show them they are not alone and that we are all there right behind them. RIP Ashleigh. Your memory will live on and we will never forget you.”

During treatment, Ms Whitaker fundraised for the Clatterbridge Cancer Hospital, which carried out her treatment in 2020.

During her efforts Ms Whitaker raised £5,000 for the centre.

In a statement on their Facebook page, staff at Celeste Arnold Hair, Make-up and Beauty, the Bury-based salon where Ms Whitaker worked, described their heartbreak at her passing.

The statement read: “It is with the heaviest broken hearts we write these words. We have sadly lost our brightest star Ashleigh to her battle with cancer.

“Ashleigh was part of our Celeste Arnold team for over 13 years since she was just 15, although it feels like she was always there.

“Laughing that dirty, infectious laugh, smiling her gorgeous smile, looking her impossibly glamorous self.

“Ashleigh was also a brilliant and dedicated mum and fiancé...her love for Jordan plain to see.

“Our hearts go out to her beautiful son Jordan, her fiancé Mitchell and all her family. We are so very sorry for your loss. no words can express the sadness we feel.

“She’s the brightest star. And we will always have her in our team.”

We love you millions Ashleigh.

Click here to visit the fundraising page set up in Ms Whitaker’s memory.