A family has paid tribute to a mum-of-five who died of cancer just six weeks after being diagnosed.
Louise Gray, from Peterlee, went to her GP last year after feeling unwell and was told to take laxatives for bowel problems. Despite having previously been diagnosed with cervical cancer, the 34-year-old's family say no further tests were carried out.
Louise continued to go to the doctor in pain but seven weeks ago her mum was forced to call 999 fearing her daughter was going to die after taking unwell. She was rushed to hospital where she underwent two blood transfusions to save her life and was given the heart-breaking news she had terminal cancer.
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The mum-of-five was told she had terminal cervical cancer, liver and bowel cancer and further scans show it had spread to her pelvis and lymph nodes. Tragically, Louise's health went downhill quickly and she passed away on November 3.
Her aunt Judith Spence, 51, said: "She was very bubbly and always smiling. I don't know how she pushed three kids in that pushchair - she was very little.
"She was very well loved. She was very fun loving."
Louise was a loving mum to Hayden, 16, Morgan, 13, Coby-Jay, five, and twin boys, Cole and Caleb, three. Judith, from Peterlee, said her niece loved doing diamond artwork and was working on a piece featuring her children.
She added: "She was doing a piece with all five children but never got it finished - that's our mission now."
Now, her family is raising money on a Gofundme page to pay for her funeral which will be held on November 16.
Judith said: "She fought to the very bitter end in agony throughout it has been horrific for her children to watch this happen.
"We have all been left totally heartbroken and traumatised by everything that has taken place and would love to give her a send-off her children will never forget.
"We hope it will help them heal seeing how loved their mother really was."
Louise's GP surgery declined to comment on the treatment she received.
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