A mum left her children Christmas presents from beyond the grave after her tragic cancer death.

Mum-of-two Kirsten Bell passed away at her home in Falkirk on Sunday, December 15. The 51-year-old hairdresser had been diagnosed with terminal cancer in October and was given three months to live.

Kirsten passed away just days after her daughter's 16th birthday. Even so close to her last days, she made sure that her children Morgan, 19, and Lyla, 16, had something from their mum to open on morning.

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Her daughter Lyla told the Daily Record: "It has been really tough losing mum. We hoped she would be here for Christmas. It's going to be really hard waking up on Christmas without her. She was wonderful and did everything for us.

"She died three days after my birthday. I'm glad she got to be there because she was desperate to still be here for it. I'm dreading having to say goodbye to her."

Kirsten had bravely fought breast cancer in 2021 and was in remission after her gruelling treatment ended in April 2023. At that time medics were 95 per cent sure of the diseases returns.

Whilst away on holiday in Egypt with her friend Scott Bannatyne when she began to notice a shortness of breath and a cough that wouldn't clear and she was struggling up the stairs. Her GP urgently referred her to Forth Valley Hospital where doctors found the cancer had returned - and spread to her lungs, lymphnodes and her brain.

Within a matter of weeks she caught an infection and was receiving daily home care from nurses. Scott, who has since taken on parental responsibility for Kirsten's two children, revealed she was determined she would make her family's final Christmas special.

He said: “Kirsten was just a diamond. She fought right until the end. All she cared about was giving Morgan and Lyla a memorable final Christmas with her. She wanted to be there but she knew she was running out of time. On one of her last outings she was in a wheelchair and tired but she was determined to make sure she got everything she needed.

"Her kids are devastated she is gone. It is so hard for them. Everyone has been trying to hold it together for them so they can have the best Christmas possible."

Scott told how the community rallied around the family when Kirsten's health took a turn for the worst. A Go Fund Me has also been set up to help raise funds for funeral costs and provide support for the kids. More than £7,530 has been donated by kind-well wishers.

He continued: "She was loved by absolutely everybody. The life and soul of the party. She’s left a massive hole in everyone’s hearts. Kirsten was an incredible mum and it’s up to us now to rally round them and support them. They’ll live with her forever.

"It’s unbelievable to imagine what they are going through just before Christmas. We are overwhelmed already by the generosity shown but it shows how much Kirsten was loved.”

Donate to the fundraiser