THE devastated family of cancer battler Lesley Bostock have paid tribute to the “brave and inspiring” mother-of-two.

Ms Bostock was known for her defiance against the disease but lost her five-year battle last Monday, at the age of 43.

Her mother, Doris Curtis-Moore, said she hoped the strength and determination her daughter showed during her illness will inspire others fighting cancer.

Mrs Curtis-Moore said: “Lesley was an ambassador for the fight against cancer.

“She fought bravely through the sickness and the sadness by remaining relentlessly positive.

“Cancer would never beat her as far as she was concerned and she battled against it right until the final minutes of her life.”

Ms Bostock was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and believed her treatment had gone well until she fell ill again in May 2011.

After seven months of tests, Ms Bostock was diagnosed with cancer in her bones, lungs and shoulder.

Ms Bostock knew the cancer was terminal but continued with rounds of treatment almost right up until her death.

In May 2013, she was chosen to be a model for the world-famous photographer John Rankin and starred in a BBC documentary about a Liverpool exhibition called ALIVE: In The Face of Death. It featured more than 80 images from Mr Rankin, focusing on people who are facing life-limiting illnesses.

Mr Rankin said he found her “incredible personality and sense of humour” inspiring and the pair struck up an immediate rapport.

Her portraits went on to be displayed at the St John’s Hospice in Lancaster, which Ms Bostock officially opened in May.

She was admitted to Bolton Hospice a week before she died.

Mrs Curtis-Moore, aged 77, of Ladybridge, said: “Lesley had so much energy and to look at her, you never would have realised how ill she was.

“We knew it was terminal but we thought we would have more time with her. She became ill very quickly.

“But she was very peaceful and told me she was happy because she had a room with a view of the hospice garden.

“We hope Lesley’s strength will help others fighting terminal illnesses. She really was like Superwoman.”

Ms Bostock also leaves behind her father, Vincent, and her two sons, Harry, aged 17, and George, aged 14.

The funeral service will start at 2pm tomorrow in Overdale Crematorium, West Chapel.

Mourners are encouraged to wear bright colours in tribute to Ms Bostock.