THE PARTNER of a woman described as a "really special person" has said that her proud family will always remember how "inspirational" and "selfless" she was in life.
As previously reported by the Star, Nicola Speakman was given a devastating terminal cancer diagnosis last year, after having "vacant moments" and experiencing difficulties with her speech.
Despite the shocking diagnosis aged just 41, Nicola was not one to feel sorry for herself and instead used her illness as an opportunity to fundraise for children who had been diagnosed with critical illnesses at a much younger age than herself.
Heavily supported by family and friends, the mum-of-three's fundraising gave her a "reason to stay positive" and she raised a huge £10,330 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
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Following Nicola's incredible fundraising efforts while battling the disease, her condition worsened at the start of summer and doctors advised her that the best course of action would be to receive palliative care at home.
This meant that the former nursery worker was cared for by Willowbrook and Macmillan nurses in the comfort of her own home and surrounded by the strength of her family and friends.
After putting up "one hell of a battle", Nicola passed away aged 42 on Wednesday, October 11.
Prior to Nicola's passing, she told the Star that "everything seemed to be going [her] way" before her diagnosis, as she was planning a Lake District wedding and a Florida holiday with childhood friend Paul Griffin.
Although the diagnosis interrupted Nicola's plans for a dream wedding, she and Paul still tied the knot out of a small registry service at St Helens Town Hall, and she later explained how she was "overwhelmed" by people's generosity after the Star shared her story and fundraising efforts.
After sharing the news of her passing among family and friends, Nicola's husband has now shared a heartbreaking tribute with the Star.
Paul said: "Nic was a really special person and I think that is shown by how many messages we have received because my phone has just been buzzing off the hook.
"Me and her parents said this shows what an absolute force she was, as she always knew how to turn a negative into a positive.
"That was Nic all her life, she was just a very selfless person and I think it's so inspirational to see her have such compassion for other people while in the situation she found herself in.
"She was so giving, caring, and loving, and even when things weren't going well for her, she would still have a smile on her face and do something kind to help other people."
Nicola's funeral will take place at St Helens Crematorium on Thursday, October 26 at 3pm, with everyone who knew her encouraged to come along and pay their respects.
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