A mum-of-three whose brave cancer battle inspired the community to raise tens of thousands for her treatment has died.

Cheryl Clark, 42, of Cleator Moor, died at home on Saturday after fighting Linitis plastica, a rare stomach cancer, since being diagnosed in May last year.

The community had rallied around Mrs Clark and raised more than £25,000 in a short period to fund trips to America, Mexico and London for vital treatment, as well as her medication at home.

In an emotional tribute, her devastated family said they had been “overwhelmed by the generosity of the community and people far and wide.”

They added: “Her husband Dougie, her children Briony, Erin and Mally and her loving family, would like to thank all of the community, family and friends for their support throughout her illness.”

Mrs Clark, nee Bennett, worked as a nurse for the mental health team at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven for 18 years and was very popular among her work colleagues.

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The family added: “Cheryl loved to walk the dogs at Ennerdale as this was her favourite place and on these walks she took numerous photographs which she shared on social media.

“She was the youngest of six and the daughter of Cath and John Bennett, who are a respected family from Cleator Moor, a loving wife to Dougie for 18 years and an amazing and dedicated mother to her three children.

“Cheryl will be sadly missed by all her family, friends and all who loved her and had the pleasure of meeting her.

“She was most known for her witty sense of humour, loving personality and being the life and soul of the party.

“The family would like to thank all of the community nurses, Hospice at Home and the Macmillan nurses for not only caring for Cheryl but the loving, care and support for the family.”

The family began fundraising again late last year for more treatment but as Mrs Clark’s health deteriorated they donated £10,000 to Joanne Mahone, who is also from the town and has been diagnosed with sarcoma cancer.