HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a “brave and courageous” Essex mum who has died after a battle with cancer.
Annie Crouch was a 38-year-old mum, to three children with her husband Gary Crouch - seven-year-old Rafe, six-year-old Hattie, and two-year-old Dixie.
Almost £50,000 has been raised, since a GoFundMe page was launched at the start of the year to support the family.
READ MORE >> More than £25k raised in two days after mum told she has just months to live
Sadly, she was diagnosed in October 2021 with triple negative breast cancer that had spread to the lymph nodes, bones, and liver.
Annie was told at the time that the cancer was terminal and was very aggressive, but a year later she seemed to be doing well.
However, just six weeks ago she started to suffer severe headaches, followed by loss of her vision, hearing, then the use of her legs.
After being rushed to hospital on Boxing Day, doctors confirmed the family’s worst fears: the cancer was “tearing through her brain and spine”.
Sadly, the family have today confirmed Annie passed away yesterday, surrounded by her “nearest and dearest”.
Her husband, Gary Crouch, said she was a “brave and courageous woman who fought to the end”.
He said: “We are absolutely devastated to tell you that our beloved Annie passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her nearest and dearest yesterday.
“She was such a brave and courageous woman who fought to the end to spend as much time as possible with me, her children, mum, brother, and sisters.
“She was loved by so many and touched so many hearts along her journey.
“Whilst we would like privacy at this time, we wanted to thank everyone for the love, support, kindness, and generosity you have all shown us.
“Funeral details will follow in time.”
Some of the money raised helped Gary to spend time with Annie before her passing and is now going towards supporting Gary and his three children.
Before Annie’s passing, both herself and Gary thanked everyone for the money donated.
He said: “On behalf of Annie and I, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to donate, share our story, send heart-warming messages and have been there for us at this heartbreaking time.
“As a family we are going through the worst time imaginable and to know we have the support and kindness of so many people is incredible.
“We are truly overwhelmed at the love and support we have received.”
To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/gary-annie-and-family
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