Laura Nuttall, a fearless campaigner who raised thousands for brain cancer charities, has died at the age of 23.
The graduate was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer, after going for a routine eye test in 2018.
She went on to complete an incredible bucket list of goals from presenting the BBC weather forecast to having tea at the Ritz with broadcaster Sophie Raworth.
Laura went fishing with Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer, met Michelle Obama and watched Fleabag being performed live on stage.
In 2021, comedian Peter Kay came out of retirement to raise money for her treatment, and hosted two live Q&As in her honour.
Last year, she was told that the tumour had already grown back and moved to other parts of her brain just two weeks after surgery.
In a heartbreaking tweet this morning, her mum Nicola announced that she had passed away - remaining "fierce and tenacious to the end".
She wrote: "I'm heartbroken to share the news that we lost our beautiful Laura in the early hours of this morning.
"She was fierce & tenacious to the end & it was truly the honour of my life to be her mum.
"We are devastated at the thought of life without our girl, she was a force of nature."
Comedian and actress Diane Morgan responded: "I’m so sorry. I feel like I got to know her a little bit through your posts.
"She was an amazing person. I could see that. And she couldn’t have had more loving parents. Sending you tonnes of love and support xxx".
The Brain Tumour Charity said Laura "touched the hearts and minds of so many others", writing: "Her loss is a fierce reminder of why we must move further, faster to find a cure."
Manchester University also sent their condolences to Laura's family, saying she was an "incredible and spirited young woman".
Professor Jackie Carter, Academic Lead for EDI Disabilities, said: "The thoughts of myself and everyone at the university are with Laura’s parents Nicola and Mark and her sister Grace at this incredibly difficult time.
"She was an incredible and spirited young woman. With her treatment, she defied all the odds after her diagnosis to complete her studies and graduate last summer.
"I got to know Laura and her amazing family well during her time here, as my own son has incurable brain cancer."
Laura previously spoke to the Mirror about her approach to enjoying life at university while undergoing gruelling cancer treatment.
She said: "There's no point thinking that I'm going to die from it. What's the point in thinking like that?
"I've not got time to think like that."
Laura was just six weeks into her first semester at Kings College, London, when she began to suffer from painful headaches in October 2018.
The Politics, Philosophy, and Economics student was hoping to join the Royal Navy at university, which meant she had to undergo a physical examination – including an eye test.
The opticians discovered pressure behind her eyes, which accounted for her excruciating headaches.
Laura, who was just 18 at the time, underwent a CT scan and an MRI, which showed she had six brain tumours.
It was discovered she had Glioblastoma Multiforme - a rare form of brain cancer, which was stage four.
Laura, who outlived her diagnosis by three and a half years, was given 12 months to live and "go away and make memories".
The inspiring young woman later became an ambassador for the Brain Tumour Charity, who issued her a special award last month that paid tribute to her selfless actions.
In a touching tribute, the charity said: "Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go to her family, to her sister Gracie, mum Nicola and dad Mark.
"Laura was steadfast in her determination to share the story of her own diagnosis and treatment in order to raise vital awareness of brain tumours, becoming a key Young Ambassador of The Brain Tumour Charity.
"In this role she touched the hearts and minds of so many others, reaching out to offer comfort and hope to others going through similar diagnoses.
"Laura was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) brain tumour in 2018 and was given a prognosis of one year. Despite this devastating news, Laura embarked on an epic bucket list, ticking off wishes at a dizzying rate.
"From piloting a Royal Navy ship to reading the weather on TV with lockdown BBC weatherman star Owain Wyn Evans, from meeting Michelle Obama and taking tea at the Ritz with news broadcaster Sophie Raworth, to fishing alongside Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer.
"Laura and her family even managed to coax Peter Kay out of retirement to perform sell-out ‘Doing it For Laura’ gigs at Manchester’s O2 Apollo in 2021.
"More recently, with her family, Laura took part in the Manchester Pride marches and also completed the Great North Run.
"As usual, she garnered so much love and respect across social channels from far and wide, for her continued determination and resilience.
"We recently awarded, buoyed by the amount of supporter nominations, Laura with the Special Recognition Awards as part of our Celebrating You Awards (April ‘23).
"Laura had a special place in the hearts of all our Young Ambassadors, themselves an integral part of The Brain Tumour Charity.
"They help us to raise awareness of brain tumours and are passionate about changing the future for those affected. Laura became key to the groups’ continued success.
"Her loss is a fierce reminder of why we must move further, faster every day in the battle against brain tumours, so that other families do not have to endure this kind of heartbreak in the future.
"We are committed to fighting for all those people whose lives are turned upside down by this devastating disease. We will continue to do this for everyone affected, and we will continue to do this to honour Laura.
"She was unique and she was loved by so many."
