A mum who pledged to fight cancer for as long as she could smile has been laid to rest on what would have been her 37th birthday.
Devoted mum-of-three Laura Mcaloon's casket was pulled by a horse and carriage in the snow before she was finally buried.
Laura, from Bathgate, West Lothian, died last month leaving behind her devastated fiancé Mark Smith, 37, and three children Tiegan, 20, and Demileigh, 13, and Connor, two.
Loved ones left flowers and notes on her grave which had ‘mum’ and ‘fiance’ tributes placed over it.
Now her shattered daughter, Tiegan, is remembering her ‘kind and caring’ mum saying ‘I will love you forever.’
She said: “What a beautiful send off for a beautiful lady yesterday.
“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 a long drawn battle against cancer fought with courage, determination and strength, I am so heartbroken to let you all know that earlier today, my mums battle ended.
"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.
"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.
"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.
Laura's sister, Cheryl Mcaloon, also paid tribute to her.
She said: " Love you always and forever my wonderful big sis Laura Mcaloon.
"You fought courageously, I promised that I would never leave your side, you’ll forever be in my heart."
Distraught pals pays tribute to Laura online as they remembered her as an "inspiration".
One friend said: "Why's life so cruel? Heartbroken is an understatement."
