Tributes have been paid to a West Lothian mum buried on her birthday after a heartbreaking lung and brain cancer battle.
Laura Mcaloon, from Bathgate, died last month leaving behind her devastated fiancé Mark Smith (37) and their three children Tiegan (20), Demileigh (13) and Connor (2).
In an emotional tribute to Laura, her heartbroken family made funeral arrangements for what should have been her 37th birthday last Thursday.
The devoted mother’s casket was pulled by a horse and carriage in the snow before being laid to rest at Fauldhouse cemetery.
The daily Record reported loved ones left flowers and notes on her grave which had ‘mum’ and ‘fiance’ tributes placed over it.
Her shattered daughter, Tiegan, said she will always remember her mum as “kind and caring” adding “I will love you forever.”
She continued: “What a beautiful send-off for a beautiful lady.
“Thank you to everyone who gathered outside and followed us to the cemetery.
“I am a bit lost for words at the minute but I truly appreciate everything- the support, the flowers, the cards- everything.
“That’s you at rest now mum, I will love you forever.”
Laura had first been diagnosed with lung cancer in August, 2020 after suffering excruciating pain around her breast and back area.
Scans revealed a tumour on her lung pressing against a nerve and she began her first round of chemotherapy.
But after suffering a seizure on January 28 this year, doctors found the aggressive cancer had spread to her brain.
Despite the heartbreaking diagnosis, Laura was determined to fight her illness with a smile and positive attitude before passing away in April.
Tiegan said after her mum’s death: “We have never seen so much strength and light beam from one person and we truly are so proud to call this amazing woman our mum.
“The most kind, caring and courageous woman who promised us that so long as she’s awake, she would not let go.
“She kept this promise like the stubborn woman she is but sadly drifted into a deep sleep where she had to let go.
“Mum, you will be remembered by your beautiful, radiant smile. By your silky blonde hair. By your tiny wee petite self who could outrun any of us.
“We have never seen so much strength and light beam from one person and we truly are so proud to call this amazing woman our mum. The most kind, caring & courageous woman who promised us that so long as she’s awake, she would not let go.”
Distraught pals also paid tribute to Laura online as they remembered her as an “inspiration”, with one adding: “Why’s life so cruel?”
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