A MUM of two who sold her car and put her house on the market to fund specialist treatment has lost her battle with cancer.

Michelle Cockram, previously known as Michelle Thorpe, was first diagnosed with breast cancer 11 years ago.

But despite the success of treatment at a specialist centre in Germany, which saw Michelle in remission for five years, in November 2011 the cancer returned.

This time, it was more aggressive and the tumours spread to her liver, chest and lymph nodes.

On June 28 Michelle, of Waterhouse Lane in Ardleigh, who owned a commercial cleaning business, lost her fight with the disease.

Perry said: "She was a special woman with a remarkable character.

"And I know she would want me to thank the wonderful staff at the Langham Ward at Colchester General Hospital.

"In our darkest times as a family we had genuine compassion and people that couldn't do more for us."

The 47-year-old had asked for no black to be worn at her celebration of life, which is being held on Tuesday July 15.

She will be taken by two white horses through Colchester High Street before the 10.30am service at St Mary's Church in Ardleigh where pink will be the order of the day.