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A mum whose last ditch cancer treatment was not available because of coronavirus has died.
Tributes have flooded social media for Toni Crews from Deal commending her bravery throughout her four-year battle with the rare disease which started in her tear duct.
The 30-year-old who leaves behind two young children died on Sunday with her parents by her side and will now make a contribution to research by donating her body to science.
In an announcement on her business page, Bling-k of an eye, where she sold customised medical eye patches , her parents Jason and Jo Crews said their daughter will be "greatly missed".
They posted: "It is with great sadness we have to inform you all of Toni's passing.
"She passed away on Sunday afternoon at our (her parents) house with both of us and one of her sisters by her side.
"Toni has arranged to donate her body and will be going to the London Anatomy Office where she will help to teach post graduate surgeons.
"The family would like to thank all the NHS staff who have helped Toni over the last four years.
"We would also like to thank everyone who has sent messages of support on social media we know she found this a great platform for strength.
"Toni will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her."
The mum-of-two was first diagnosed with rare adenocarcinoma - cancer of the tear duct - in 2016 prompting the removal of her right eye, and then a tumour behind her eye in 2018.
Earlier this year she received the devastating news it had returned to her lungs and skin tissue and her best hope would be to access a clinical trial at London's Royal Marsden Hospital.
But tragically, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, these had all stopped.
Instead, doctors prescribed a strong cocktail of chemotherapy called ECX to buy her more time.
The doting mother used her final months to create special memories with her children, Charlie, eight and Faith, seven, including a trip to Legoland and making keepsakes.
These were funded by generous donations to a GoFundMe page was set up by her friend Louise Jefferson . The total remains at over £13,500 and donations can still be made here.
Miss Crews documented parts of her journey, sharing candid updates about her condition and experiences on social media.
Her last post on Wednesday, August 19 spoke of her elation of being home from hospital, with her friends and family around her.
Prior to her last diagnosis, Miss Crews had started driving lessons and was gearing up to start a degree in criminology and forensic investigation at Canterbury Christ Church University, this September.
Heartfelt tributes left on her Facebook page honour her strength with many describing her as a "warrior".
Laura Murton said: "Sweet dreams sweetheart, you can rest now. You were the strongest woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing."
Sharon Powell posted: "I wanted her to keep going forever. It was amazing to watch Toni grow into the inspirational woman she became.
"Her children will be her legacy, they will grow up safe in the knowledge that she loved them so much. Rest in peace now Toni, no more worry."
Charlotte Dyer said: "What an inspiration. The strength you showed throughout it all, you did it with grace and dignity.
"You have left a legacy for your children and you will always be remembered for your bravery.
"It’s so heartbreaking to see it end this way but you ended it with your head held high, and you fought to leave your children with security and the truth of how much they were and are loved!
"I admire you and may you not be in pain anymore."
Debbie Jordan said: "R.I.P Toni Crews, such a warrior and a very brave woman.
"You were a strong woman who I’m sure was fighting until the very end. Sending love to your children and friends and family."
Sharna Jones said: "R.I.P you beautiful angel. You didn’t deserve the life that was given to you but you battled it with everything you had. Sleep tight strong warrior."
