A mum-of-two who raised a thousands of pounds for cancer charities while battling acute myeloid leukaemia has died aged 40.

East Lancashire Hospice paid tribute to Louise Child, who was diagnosed with the illness near the end of her pregnancy with youngest son, Harvey.

She was admitted to the hospice on April 29 after her family realised being a patient there allowed Louise the freedom to be near their home in Feniscowles, avoiding long and arduous trips to The Christie in Manchester. 

Jasper the therapy dog went in to visit Louise during her care at the hospice, which had been set up as a homely space for the mum so her partner, Don Wharton and her two children Charlie and Harvey, could visit. There was also a playpen set up for her young son to enjoy.

Lancashire Telegraph: Louise and her partner Don on their date night at Café RetreatLouise and her partner Don on their date night at Café Retreat

Louise’s diagnosis was a shock to her family and naturally, none of them saw it as a battle she would lose.

Despite her illness and with the support of her loved ones, Louise started to raise funds for a number of charities, including Mummies Star, an organisation that helps families with cancer and young children, Antony Nolan, the stem cell charity, and BlueSky at Blackpool.

When Louise arrived at East Lancashire Hospice, she was struggling with her condition but had not given up and was still supporting the charities which had helped her.

Sadly, Louise lost her battle on June 8.

However, her stay at the hospice allowed her family to visit at times that suited them and for Louise to enjoy the complementary therapies, which went some way to alleviate her symptoms.

Her father, Martin Child, said the hospice was made a real difference to his daughter’s life.

He said: “Louise received wonderful help, care and support from all the staff at the hospice. 

"The staff were also very helpful and kind to my wife Jackie and myself, and we were able to visit Louise whenever we wanted. I cannot thank you enough for helping us through a very difficult and stressful time.”

The hospice was intent on making Louise's time matter; they helped her create a memory box with their creative connections team for her family to keep and they supported them with trips to the beach, as well as organising a date night at Café Retreat for Louise and her partner.

When the rest of the hospice was closed, the cafe opened, giving the couple a chance to enjoy an evening together as if they were at a restaurant.

The young mum would have celebrated her 41st birthday on July 12, and her family and friends used the occasion to support those charities that supported Louise, raising over £3,600 for East Lancashire Hospice in her memory.

A hospice spokesman said: "Louise was only with us for six weeks, but we hope we made a difference to her wellbeing and gave her more precious time to be with her family, and helped her in making the most of life."