A COURAGEOUS mum has been hailed an angel for fighting cancer with bundles of energy and determination.

Sadly, beauty therapist Elishia Paige Donnellan, from Winsford, known fondly as Ellie, lost her battle but never gave up hope.

The 23-year-old was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a very rare cancer, when she became pregnant with son Caelan, now three.

Ellie gave up her job to become a full-time mum.

Northwich Guardian:

Ellie loved laughing and having fun with Caelan

Mum Andrea, 54, said: "Ellie was so vibrant, full of life and feisty, everyone adored her.

"She never let anyone know how much pain she was in. She had two and a half years of intense chemotherapy. She was an angel.

"I just miss her. She was my best friend."

Ellie died peacefully in her mum's arms on April 20. "The last words she heard were 'I love you mummy' from her little boy."

Northwich Guardian:

Ellie loved having fun with son Caelan

Aunt Rachael Schollar has opened a crowdfunding page to set up a legacy for Caelan.

"We are doing everything Ellie would have wanted to do to secure Caelan's future," she said. "We need to keep Ellies’ memory alive for him.

"Ellie broke the mould, she taught us how to laugh. Her vivacious, magnetic and energetic personality was something most people can only dream of.

"She had oodles of confidence and would give you her last penny."

Even when she was very poorly in hospital, Ellie refused to give in.

"Within 48 hours she'd have her make up and wig on and be out," said Rachael. "She was a bundle of energy, she bounced back every time. It was amazing to watch the transformation. She never admitted defeat."

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This time last year she flew to America to visit friends telling her mum: 'If I’m going to die I’d rather die happy'.

Northwich Guardian:

Ellie was friends with TV star Katie McGlynn who played Sinead Tinker in Coronation Street

Days after being ill in January, Ellie went on a dream photo shoot with top make up artists and fashion stylists.

"I don't think she realised how beautiful she was," said Rachael. "She was absolutely stunning."

Only a handful of family can attend Ellie's graveside burial at Swanlow Cemetery at 11am on Thursday, due to coronavirus restrictions.

Friends and relatives hope to line the streets, holding yellow balloons and roses, observing the two metre rule of social distancing.

"Ellie was all about colour," said Rachael. "She never conformed to social ideas, she wore what she wanted."

To donate visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ellies-legacy---caelans-future---and-beyond