A woman with motor neurone disease raised more than $40,000 for her sons before she died.
Sam Kyme, aged 34, from Banbury, could no longer talk – but she raised the money with her friends’ help on a crowdfunding website.
The cash will be used to fund the funeral, for plane tickets, school and legal fees.
Here sister, Pippa Hughes, said she passed away in peace on Thursday.
No warnings
Hughes lives in Australia and her sister’s “last wish” was that her sons Joey and Harry come to live with her there.
“It’s amazing how life can change in a year,” Ms Hughes said.
“This time last year was Christmas and we were all together and this year it’s completely changed.
“There was no warning, you just never know what’s going to happen.
“We’ve got a few days now to scream and shout and cry, but Christmas, we’re going to make it for Sam.”
Sam dreamed her boys to have a new life in Australia after her death. Source: Susanna Howard
Sam’s friend, Susanna Howard, said she died “peacefully with her family around her”.
“The family are deeply saddened but also relieved that she is no longer suffering,” she said.
“We know that Sam would like everyone to celebrate her life by raising a glass to her and her family at this festive time.”
Sam Kyme (left) and her sister Pippa Hughes. Source: Susanna Howard
Ms Kyme said her sister found out that she had cancer in April and that she only had months to live.
Within two months she was no longer able to speak.
Ms Howard said she had been “battling” so as to be with her boys and family on Christmas.
“My greatest fear is not that I am dying – it is the welfare of my boys,” Kyme wrote on her crowdfunding page.
“I fear that Joey and Harry will go into care,” she continued.
Ms Hughes said the funds meant the family could “start a new life together, while never forgetting Sam“.
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