Laura Nuttall has tragically passed away aged just 23.
The young woman was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer at just 18-years-old and later made headlines when comic Peter Kay took her to lunch.
In a statement on Twitter, her family said they were 'devastated' by the loss of their loved one.
Writing on her Twitter page, Laura's mum Nicola announced the heartbreaking news to followers earlier today, writing: "I'm heartbroken to share the news that we lost our beautiful Laura in the early hours of this morning."
Advert
Continuing, Nicola described how 'fierce' her daughter was and how she'd been an inspiration to others throughout her tragically short life.
"She was fierce & tenacious to the end & it was truly the honour of my life to be her mum," she added, saying: "We are devastated at the thought of life without our girl, she was a force of nature."
Laura had initially been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in 2018.
Advert
Despite her young age, Laura's specialists estimated that she had just 12 months left to live.
Following her diagnosis, the then-teenager created a 'bucket list' which she set about completing over the next few years.
Her family, including mum Nicola, have also used social media to tell her story and raise money for various charities, including Our Brain Bank.
Her story would touch some many people, that young woman would also make headlines after being taken to lunch by comic and actor, Peter Kay.
Advert
Last November, the 49-year-old took Laura and her family to The White Swan pub, Lancashire, in a sweet gesture.
On Twitter, Laura's mum thanked the Phoneix Nights star with a tweet which read: “Today’s joy has been a very special treat, the most wonderful lunch at @whiteswan_fence with #PeterKay for company."
She added: "Laughter won’t cure #Glioblastoma but it’s definitely a blimmin’ good distraction for a couple of hours.”
Advert
After the meal, the family and Kay became close friends with Kay raising money for Nuttall's treatment with two gigs at the Manchester O2.
The sell-out gig were the comic's first in four years, with fans eager to raise funds and see him perform live.
Speaking about his support, Nicola said: "I mean Peter was hilarious, as Peter is, and the amount of people that turned up there who were waiting in the queues in the rain, waiting to get in.
Advert
"It was just amazing."
Katherine Sidnell