THE devastated family of an “exceptionally kind” young woman has paid tribute to her “bravery” after she died from a rare condition.

Chelsea Ann Banks inspired her parents with her resilience after being diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma - a rare form of cancer which develops in the bones.

Chelsea, 27, who was from Harwich, died in Colchester Hospital.

She was deemed her parents’ “miracle” after being told they couldn’t have children.

Proud owners of a beach hut in Dovercourt, Steve and Lynn Banks were working with Chelsea to replace their hut in October 2019 when they were first warned something was wrong.

Their daughter was pulling down the beach hut and, following this, she began to complain of a pain in her shoulder.

They thought at first it was just a strain but the pain persisted for months which eventually led to a variety of treatments and drugs.

“One thing led to another before we were given the real diagnosis of Ewings Sarcoma in August last year,” Mrs Banks said.

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“What we thought was a simple injury turned out to be something that would change our lives forever.

“We were told it was treatable but not curable but we never expected it to go as quickly as it happened.”

Chelsea worked for Premier Inn in Harwich but was made redundant last year.

Gazette: Brave - Chelsea Ann BanksBrave - Chelsea Ann Banks

Mrs Banks said she knew she was not well enough to go for another job, something which had been a “bitter pill to swallow”.

Chelsea’s treatment required her to go to UCL Hospital, in London where she went every three weeks as part of 14 cycles of chemotherapy.

However, Chelsea’s health declined and she died last month.

Her family said she had loved to go to the beach, watch shows in London and she had been due to go to the Olly Murs concert in Colchester on Sunday with her best friend, Leanne.

Chelsea’s funeral procession went to West End Lane in Dovercourt, where the gate was opened up so she could be taken to her beach hut one last time.

Mrs Banks said the family had been inspired by Chelsea’s extraordinary courage.

“She was strong and brave, caring, loving and just beautiful inside and out,” she added.

“She helped so many people with their problems and was truly an exceptional person.

“More than 100 people turned up at the crematorium for her funeral. It was another reminder of how much she was loved. 

“No-one had a bad word to say about her, they all said how loved and missed she is.

“I’ve learnt so much about her since she passed from what people have said to me. It has made me honoured to be called her mum.”