Touching tributes have been paid to a 'special' Wirral mum with an 'infectious laugh' after the community rallied to give her one last Christmas.
Becky Aspinall, 33, from Oxton, was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease 13 years ago when she was six months pregnant with her son Alfie.
After years of deterioration, Becky died peacefully at her Wirral home on Tuesday, November 16 surrounded by her family.
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Her mum Lisa wanted to bring Christmas forward so they could have one last festive season together after the news Becky was receiving end of life care.
Donations came flooding in from the community for Christmas decorations so the family could transform her garden into their very own Winter Wonderland.
On Saturday, thanks to dozens of donations, a community event was held for the family, but unfortunately Becky was too ill to attend.
Best friend Kirsty Smith told the ECHO : "In a short space of time we managed to create the Winter Wonderland and it was unbelievable, we lit the whole garden up.
"Unfortunately Becky wasn't well enough to attend, but we did it for Alfie and the community and it was really special. He was really happy.
"The Wishlist was gone so quick and people still contacted us asking what could they do to help, could they get Alfie something so we made another short wish list for him and it was gone so fast.
"We didn't want to put too much on there and be greedy but people were so generous. Alfie had a lovely weekend, he was shaking when everything turned up at the house it was cute. He's been so brave through all of this."
St Anslem’s High School choir gave a special performance and selection boxes were given to attending families.
Kirsty said her best friend since school was a happy and healthy woman until her diagnosis, which led them to lead 'completely different lives'.
She added: "She's suffered with this for 14 years now and bit by bit parts of Becky were getting taken. She's gone from being a normal, healthy 20-year-old to being really poorly. Our lives went in completely different directions.
"Her mum had to bring Alfie up, she was in a care home for a few years because she was so poorly. When we got her home last Christmas it was the best thing we did because we got to do so much for her. It's been a special year.
"She was so fun. Everyone who knew Becky would say she was the funniest person with the most infectious laugh. If she laughed, you would laugh too.
"She really liked horses, she had her own horse and she liked going out with her family and friends.
"When she was diagnosed we went on a few girly holidays. When the onset came on she had to carry a card and everyone thought she was drunk because she was slurring her words but then it just progressed from there."
Over the years the community has rallied to support the family with donations which allowed them to make special memories with Becky, despite her deteriorating condition.
Huntington's is a condition that stops parts of the brain working properly over time.
Mum Lisa made the decision to bring her daughter home last Christmas Eve when an extension was built which meant she could live her final months surrounded by her loved ones.
Kirsty said: "Becky's mum would like to thank everyone for all their support over the years and during this heart-breaking time.
"And to let people know that Becky went peacefully surrounded by her mum, step dad, son and brother with her.
"When she passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning her step dad Sean Kelly lit up the lights in the garden again for her.
"I'd also like to say a massive thank you to everyone who contacted me and donated lights and bought Alfie gifts and just helped to make the night special.
"It was overwhelming and shows how kind people are in such tragic circumstances. Alfie has been such a brave, strong boy and has been my rock.
"Loads of people turned up to the event on Saturday and Birkenhead Lions provided Alfie with presents and selection boxes for the kids that turned up, it was a really special night.
"It was a magical, special night that won't be forgotten and adds a positive note on what is a really sad time. I think Becky waited until after the lights before she passed away. It's been a rough week."
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