A devoted mum-of-four died before seeing her first grandson - four weeks after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Lesley Mann, from St Helens, was diagnosed with cancer of the ovaries after she noticed she had a swollen stomach.
Best friend Janet Caffrey said the 48-year-old mum had been to doctors and was told she had a cyst on her ovaries.
However despite "never complaining", Lesley began to suffer with horrendous pain and had to be admitted to Whiston Hospital where she was scheduled to have surgery to drain the cyst.
Tragically doctors then found out that the cyst was in fact cancerous and diagnosed her with an aggressive form of the killer disease.
Sadly, after being sent home to be with family on Thursday, Lesley died surrounded by her partner, family and friends on Saturday evening.
Janet said: "Her stomach was so swollen.
"She was bigger than her pregnant daughter at one stage.
"At first she thought she was constipated and she had lots of tests, which is when they told her it was a cyst and she needed it draining.
"She never complained. She just got on with it.
"Nothing seemed to faze her, she was just so strong.
"She was a carer and was still caring and looking after other people up until she went into hospital, when it is her that should have been being looked after."
Janet said she met Lesley when she was 14-years-old and the pair were best friends ever since.
She said: "If you had a problem, it would become her problem as well.
"She would help anyone because she was so caring and loving.
"She was such a cleanaholic as well - Mrs Hinch had nothing on Lesley.
"It is just heartbreaking, everyone is heartbroken."
Janet said Lesley, who already had a granddaughter, couldn't wait to meet her first grandson and her daughter is devastated.
Janet, 46, said: "Lesley was so looking forward to seeing her grandson.
"Her daughter knew that her mum was not going to be able to be there to see the baby, but it has hit her really hard.
"All the kids don't know what to do or how they will carry on.
"They are all brilliant kids, Lesley raised them so well.
"They are all heartbroken.
"It is just so so sad how they didn't get time to prepare, or know what her wishes were.
"It has hit us all badly."
Janet said Lesley's family and partner of more than 30 years, want to ensure they can have a headstone for her and would like to make a little garden where they can go to remember her.
The family have now launched a Go Fund Me Page.
To donate please click here
