The heartbroken sister of a mum-of-seven who “lived for her children” has paid tribute to her following her death at the age of 39.
Kelly Chick was diagnosed with lung cancer in February 2020 after several trips to the doctor with chest infections and a cough.
After bouts of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she was told by doctors her case was inoperable.
She died at Birmingham's Heartlands Hospital, with her mum and sisters at her bedside.
Kelly leaves behind her seven children, Ashley, 21, Liam, 19, Megan, 17, Lauran, 13, Leah 11, Tyler, 10 and seven-year-old Lily, as well as three-year-old grandson Jack.
Speaking to Birmingham Live, her sister Amanda, 41, said: “The whole family has been left devastated. She has left behind seven children who are heartbroken.
"My mother, my sister Michelle and myself were by her side when she passed away. Just heartbreaking.
"She was a devoted mother and lived for her children. She was a single mother and dedicated her life to them.
"She just wanted to make them happy and give them the best possible life."
Amanda added she wanted to advise others to ask for a lung scan if they get repeated chest infections.
She said: "My sister was suffering from chest infections for quite some time and just went away from the doctors and took antibiotics.
"I think there needs to be more awareness about this. My sister was very young to have lung cancer, being diagnosed at just 37.
"People who do get chest infections must be adamant that they have a lung scan. They must ask their doctor.
"If my sister had done this then she may have been here today. She fought a brave battle for two years.
"She did smoke but she was clearly very young to get lung cancer.
"When she went for treatment all the patients were older people, many elderly. She stood out for being so young. I just want people to please be aware and about persistent chest infections and to press for lung scans.
“There needs to be more awareness."
Amanda set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for Kelly's children, the total of which will be put in a trust fund.
She posted: "On Monday 7th February my 39-year-old sister lost her battle to lung cancer. She leaves behind her seven children. Ashley, Liam, Megan, Lauran, Leah, Tyler and Lily.
"I have set up this page for anyone who would like to give money to the children."
