Tributes have poured in after inspirational mum and prolific fundraiser, Hayley Martin, lost her battle with cancer.

The 31-year-old, who helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds for charity despite her illness, died at the Heart of Kent Hospice on Saturday.

Mrs Martin, a L’Oreal technician of Loose Road, was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2011.

But two years after getting the all clear she received the devastating news that it had returned and was inoperable - just four months after she gave birth to son Freddie.

She told doctors she did not want to know how much time she had left and vowed to live a normal life.

Instead the mum-of-one dedicated her time to raising thousands of pounds for the Charles Dickens ward at Maidstone Hospital, where she received her treatment. She even had a room named after her there, where she ran a support group for cancer patients.

Mrs Martin, who became the face of charity Hair and Beauty Benevolent, was also instrumental in setting up Freddie’s Friends, which hopes to provide support for young adults diagnosed with the disease.

To give something back to his friend for her tireless charity work, pal John Counsell set up fundraising group Hayley’s Heroes to pay for a dream holiday for her and Freddie, now aged two.

But on Hayley’s request the group turned their attentions to the oncology ward at Maidstone Hospital.

Mr Counsell told the Kent Messenger: “She was the absolute epitomy of everything that is good in people.

“She was an amazing, inspirational person and we will miss her dearly. We want to thank everyone for what they did in trying to support her in her courageous fight.

“I made a promise to her that we will continue to support Hayley’s Heroes and Freddie’s Friends because that is what she wanted. We have a full programme of events this year and we will carry on in her name.”

Close friend Benita Marsh described Hayley as a “beautiful, strong, amazing girl”. She said: “She will be missed deeply, I feel heartbroken and devastated for Hay’s family.

“I feel so honoured to have known her.”

She leaves behind parents Karen and Ray, sister Jodie, husband Chris Griffin and son Freddie.

In a statement, Mrs Martin’s family said: “We would like to pass on our heartfelt thanks to the exceptional staff at the Charles Dickens Oncology unit and the Lord North ward at Maidstone Hospital.

“We send a special thanks to the remarkable work of The Heart of Kent Hospice who provided outstanding care for Hayley and an amazing support network for Hayley’s loved ones, for which the family will be forever grateful.”