SHE was the devoted young mum who touched the hearts of a Hampshire community with her brave fight against cancer .

Family and friends of Charlene Surtees raised thousands of pounds to wards organising dream holidays and respite breaks with her loved ones in her final months .

Now they will lay the mum-of-four to rest on Thursday after she lost her battle at the age of 31.

Charlene died on January 18 after nearly 18 months battling cervical cancer.

Her husband of six ye ars Ric k paid trib ute to her as the “ best mum in the world” and thank ed friends and neighbours who helped make their last Christmas together magi cal.

Charlene , a former Redbridge Community School pupil, grew up in Millbrook and has two children Tyler , nine and Keira, eight, from a previous relationship .

She married Rick – a Royal Logistics Corps soldier – in 2008 before their sons Rhys, five, and Alfie , three , were born.

The part-time cleaner from May Vale Close , Marchwood, was diagnosed with cancer in October 2012, and the illness wa s deemed terminal last summer despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiothera py .

Family, friends and residents from Marchwood raised money for the family’s dream holiday to Disneyland Paris .

Sadly she was too ill to travel abroad but donations went towards two family holidays to Butlins in Bognor Regis , trips to Legoland Windsor and to see Rick’s family in Blac kpool.

All four children proudly served as mascots in the Blackpool v Ipswic h Championship game in November .

Rick, 30, said: “ She was such a kind and bubbly person and marrying her was one of the happiest days of my life .

“She was devoted to the children, she loved her family and friends and it’s been amazing how every body pulled together .

“ She was brave to the end, she really fought it and I miss her .”

He urged women to ensure they undergo cervical cancer tests to ensure they protect themselves against the disease .

Brother-in-law Lee Good, from Lancashire, raised £1,000 after completing a ten-mile run.

The 35-year -old, who is partially sighted, praised her as a lovely and outgoing person and said: “ She lived for her family – everything revolved around the kids – and we are all very sad.”

People are in vited to wear bright colours to the service at Southampton Crematorium’s East Chapel at 11am.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Macmillan Cancer Support or Oakhaven Hospice , Lymington.