A dying teenager's three wishes have finally been realised - three years after her death.

Brave Donna Curtis begged her parents to make three heartfelt dreams come true as she lay terminally ill.

The 19-year-old, who was born in Wells Gardens, Basildon, was struck down with a brain tumour before she made her selfless plea.

Her parents, Len and Babs, moved to Blackpool where they opened an 11-bedroom hotel and restaurant - but they promised to do everything to carry out Donna's dream.

Firstly, they raised £14,000 towards a children's hospice in the Lancashire seaside town.

Secondly, they collected £10,000 to send sick children on holiday to America

Thirdly, they opened a block of luxury flats for young people with life-threatening illnesses.

It means 108 families a year can enjoy a free holiday in the North West at the apartments where there are extensive room facilities like cable television and videos.

Len and Babs, both 51, said families would also be provided with free transport to the resort.

Donna would have been proud of the success her parents achieved after opening the New Chalvedon Hotel in Chapel Street, Blackpool. The hotel was named after the estate where they lived in Basildon.

Apart from fulfilling Donna's wishes, the couple have had to cope with 26-year-old son Mark's leukaemia. He is now in remission.

Before her death Donna made headlines when she met her future husband Jayson at a nightclub.

He happened to be a son of her dad's eldest brother - a close cousin. It was virtually love at First sight, although the couple did not realise at the time that they were related.

Devoted Jayson stood by Donna throughout the torment of her illness. They had to get a special licence to wed and knew they would never have children.

Jayson, now 25, remarried earlier this month. He is employed by Donna's dad at the restaurant.

Speaking from his hotel, Len Curtis said: "If families would like to stay at the new apartment block, they can either write to my wife and I at Chapel Street or phone 01253 620790."

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