The heartbroken sons of a devoted mum who lost her battle with cancer last week shaved their heads in her memory two days after her tragic death.

Leanne Hall was said to be “over the moon” with the gesture of Jack, 12, and Luke, nine, who spoke with her about the fundraising idea before she died.

They were joined by cousin Cameron, 15, and have so far raised more than £3,500 for the Pilgrims Hospice, which cared for Leanne in her final days.

Her sister-in-law Nicky Johnson, said: “The boys shaving their hair to raise money for the hospice was completely their idea and Leanne was overwhelmed when they told her.

“They were her everything and she would do absolutely anything for them.”

Leanne was born and raised in Zimbabwe, the daughter of Margaret and Howard and sister to Ashleigh, Sheldon and Michelle.

She moved to England aged 20, working in London in pubs and advertising, before relocating to Rainham 11 years ago.

After her diagnosis, she moved in with Nicky and her husband Chris, who will now look after Jack and Luke.

The crippling illness meant Leanne was paralysed from the chest down, but with the help of the Pilgrims Hospice and hospital treatment, she still enjoyed treasured moments with her sons.

Nicky said: “Leanne was the most strong-willed woman we have known.

“At Christmas she was told that she would not make it to January, but she fought on until now.

“She was such a popular, loved woman.”

Before her diagnosis, Leanne spent as much time as possible with her sons, and trips to the park or skate park and swimming were regular events.

They also enjoyed holidays to Tenerife, Turkey and Greece, and she even took the boys to her hometown in Zimbabwe.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and staff at the hospice and hospitals Leanne spent time in, community nurses, Expertise Care, Dr Dand and Laura Dellys at Boughton-under-Blean school.

Ashleigh said: “Without the hospice, we do not know how we would have coped.

“They are there for you morning and night, on the other end of a phone or whenever you need them.

“The support they gave to Leanne and our family has been incredible.”

Leanne worked at Mama Feelgoods in Bekesbourne, where a celebration of her life took place yesterday (Wednesday).

At her own request, she did not want a sombre funeral, so dozens of purple balloons were released into the sky, a nod to her favourite colour.

A JustGiving page set up for the boys’ headshave effort raised more than £500 in just four hours, and as the Gazette went to press yesterday the total had passed £3,600.