LAURA Robertson-Tierney has been described by all those who knew her as inspirational.

During the last 10 months she bravely underwent extensive and gruelling treatment on two aggressive brain tumours.

Laura’s courage was even more remarkable because, despite all the challenges she faced, her wish was to help fund research and support others whose lives have been devastated by similar circumstances through her appeal, Louby’s Lifeline.

The teenager’s spirit and determination made her fight through every day, but sadly Laura, affectionally known as Louby, lost her battle against her devastating illness last Wednesday afternoon.

Just three weeks earlier, Louby had celebrated her 18th birthday surrounded by the family and friends who had prayed for her recovery since she was diagnosed with the tumours last April.

Louby was a bright, bubbly and humorous teenager and before she fell ill, studying English Literature, accounting and psychology at Norton College.

She loved to socialise and was always the last one talking when asked to be quiet.

Louby was always on the go. She had a part-time job as a waitress and was a keen sportswoman excelling at all the activities she got involved with.

After her A-levels, she wanted to study health and social studies at Scarborough before going on to university. Her ultimate aim was to become a primary school teacher.

But on April 16 last year, Louby collapsed at work and scans revealed she had two ependymoma tumours in her brain stem.

What followed was weeks of operations, radiotherapy and rehabilitation.

It was only in November that Louby was allowed home and for a time she showed improvements, regaining some speech and movement.

Sadly, Louby and her family were given the worst possible news last month. She had a third tumour and her condition was terminal.

She passed away in her mother’s arms at their home in Malton on Wednesday, February 29.

Emma, who has not left her daughter’s side since she got the call those months ago to say Louby had collapsed, said her world has fallen apart.

“No mother should have to see their child go through what Louby has gone through,” she said.

“The last few months have been a living nightmare. Louby was a beautiful, talented girl with her whole life ahead of her and that has now been snatched from her by this cruel and devastating disease.”

Emma said she has received so much support from family and friends who had kept her going through the darkest times.

“I am so grateful to all those who have been there for Louby and me,” she said.

“I would also like to thank all the medical staff and teams who have cared for Louby.”

Emma said her daughter’s legacy would be Louby’s Lifeline and fundraising for the appeal, which has so far raised more than £8,000, would continue.

“Words cannot describe the pain I feel at losing Louby. We had an incredibly close and special relationship. She was my best friend as well as my daughter,” she said.

“Louby was also a very special granddaughter, cousin, niece, friend and loving fiancée to Jaden.

“She is now at peace after all the suffering she has been through, but for those left behind our lives will never be the same again and Louby will stay in our hearts and minds forever.”

Louby’s funeral will take place at St Mary’s Church, Old Malton, on Friday at 2pm after which she will be laid to rest in Old Malton Cemetery. Everyone is welcome and all are then invited to join Louby’s family at the Old Lodge Hotel to continue remembering and celebrating her life.

No flowers by request but donations may be made to Louby’s Lifeline.

Donations can also be handed in at the Gazette office in Yorkersgate, Malton.