Train company Eurostar has apologised to the family of a young mum who died of cancer before she could take her children on a trip to Disneyland Paris after they were originally denied a full refund.

Last year thousands of pounds was donated to take Sophie Collins, from Barming, and her daughters to the French theme park this month.

Sadly the 26-year-old, who was diagnosed with cancer while pregnant with her second child, died on Wednesday, January 19, after her condition began to worsen at the end of 2021.

After spending just over £4,000 on the holiday, but realising they couldn't go after Sophie's death, brother Matthew contacted Hays Travel in Maidstone, who the holiday was booked with, to try and get a refund from Disney and Eurostar.

The family were refunded just under £3,500 for park tickets and accommodation, but were denied the £700 cost for the train tickets.

An angered Matthew said: "Disney and Eurostar have enraged me. We booked the package with Disney, and I don't like being taken advantage of.

"We were told we could either move the date or request a refund, but I don't think we would want to move the date."

The family had planned to go from Tuesday, February 1 to Saturday, February 5, but planned Sophie's funeral for Wednesday, February 2.

However, on Thursday morning Matthew received the good news from Hays Travel they would be receiving a refund in full.

"They have been so helpful," he said.

"The travel agent met Sophie and knew that this holiday would be her last and something she had on her bucket list.

"She tried her hardest for us to get a refund, but they kept saying no.

"I'm so grateful for what they've done, they went the extra mile from the start to make sure Sophie got the holiday she wanted.

"This holiday meant the world to my sister and because of the fundraising she was able to get that opportunity to do it without compromising.

"They were so understanding when we had to cancel. They were still so kind."

Matthew explained he was disappointed with Disney and "expected more from them".

He added: "The money to come back is small change compared to what they make."

Sophie, a former Maidstone Travelodge worker, was told she would live for just over a year, but those months turned to weeks after the cancer became more aggressive.

Despite rounds of chemotherapy, the disease spread to her spine, hips, back and chest.

Sophie, 26, decided she wanted to spend as much time with her two girls, Delilah, eight-months, and Daisy, three, but sadly died last month.

Speaking about her funeral on Wednesday, Matthew said: "I think it was everything and more than she could have asked for."

When approached for comment Eurostar explained a refund wouldn't be issued by them as the package was purchased through Disney and they hadn't received any of the money for the transaction yet.

A spokesman said: “We are extremely sorry about the way this has been handled, and that the family were refused a refund.

"The trip was booked via a third party, rather than with us direct. In this situation, the refund has to come direct from the company the customer booked with as that is who the payment was originally made with.

"This should have been clearly explained to the family and we are very sorry for the additional stress that this has put on them.”

Disney has been approached for a comment.