A WOMAN has praised hospital staff who went the extra mile while caring for her terminally ill mum.

Kelly Baker found out her 77-year-old mum Valerie Wilkinson was diagnosed with lung cancer on March 20.

On October 22, Valerie was moved from Colchester General Hospital to Harwich Hospital's Trinity ward as the cancer had spread to her brain.

Kelly, 50, of Little Oakley, said her mum was exceptionally cared for by the staff in Harwich Hospital up until she died on Friday, November 9.

She said: "I cared for my mum since being diagnosed in March and was with her every step of the way, so I saw first hand the magnificent care she received from the Trinity ward.

"My mum was so worried when the news broke earlier in the year regarding the changes to Trinity ward and not having end of life beds there, especially as this is where she had chosen for her end of life care."

Kelly said she wanted to thank the staff who were amazing pulled together to make a fantastic team.

"The care from all of them was just outstanding," she added.

"They all respected our wishes as a family and nothing was any trouble."

Valerie lived in Second Avenue, in Dovercourt, before she became ill and was very close to her family, friends and neighbours.

She has two daughters Kelly and Tracey and four grandchildren aged between 18 and 26.

Kelly said she will always remember her mum as being a very glamorous and loving parent with a love of clothing.

"My mum had always worked in the fashion industry - and when she was younger she worked at Selfridges in London," she said.

Valerie was born in London and moved to Dovercourt 20 years ago to be closer to Kelly.

Kelly added: "She was very glamorous and had a lovely group of friends and was close to her neighbours.

"She loved doing her hair and makeup, was very outgoing and loved her family.

"Everything to her was her family and her grandchildren."