An inspirational woman who won the hearts of thousands by regularly vlogging about her battle with cancer has shared news of her own death on Instagram.

Emily Hayward, 24, from Canterbury, had been fighting the disease for eight years after a mole on her leg was diagnosed as a malignant melanoma.

She frequently uploaded a video diary to her YouTube channel, which has more than 50,000 subscribers.

But it was on her Instagram page shortly after 5pm today that Emily's final, poignant message was shared.

She wrote: "What’s going on guys? After 8 long years of kicking cancer in the ass my body got tired, I achieved everything I wanted to and more.

"With all my loved ones around me I have now peacefully left you all.

"Thank you all for your love and support, but most of all thank you for always following my journey and believing in me. Love you all, peace Em."

In March, she had been told the disease had spread to her hip and brain.

Following the devastating news, the 24-year-old proposed to partner of four years Aisha Hasan.

They married in April in front of a small gathering at a register office and had a full celebration two days later at Winters Barns in Nackington Road, Canterbury, which was attended by dozens of friends and family.

Emily posted her message on Instagram alongside a photograph of herself on her wedding day.

Underneath it, Aisha wrote: "I love you so much em, you are my soulmate, you are everything I ever wanted you may not be here but you will be in my heart forever so proud of you beautiful I love you."

Emily, a former Chaucer School sixth former, worked at the King’s School Recreation Centre as a fitness instructor.

She and Aisha, 26, moved to Bromley to be nearer to the Royal Marsden Hospital.

Click here to visit her YouTube page.