Tributes paid to Leeds mum

An inspirational mum from Leeds who sparked a campaign backed by thousands has died after a fierce battle with cancer.

Critical care nurse Rachel Carrack, 35, had travelled to Germany for treatment after a fundraising campaign in Yorkshire raised more than £70,000 for her care. The mum of two, originally from Guiseley, died on Sunday surrounded by her family at a hospice in Bradford.

“Rachel took such comfort from all your kindness and support and spent hours reading all your messages,” said her sister Louise Bennett in an announcement to the more than 1,300 supporters who had donated to the campaign. “It is with the deepest sadness that I have to tell you that Rachel passed away on Sunday morning in Marie Curie hospice in Bradford surrounded by her family.”

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Tributes have been paid to the “sweetest, most beautiful” mum on the Facebook page of the charity she founded after beating cancer the first time two years ago, Love Hope Trust which helped six others pay for treatment abroad.

Mrs Carrack, brought up in Guiseley but living in Baildon with husband Matthew and children Freya, four, and Will two, was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in the pancreas and bile ducts two years ago and travelled to Germany for treatment, setting up the charity to help others when she recovered. She returned to the clinic late last year after being told the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, supported by donations of £77,865 from 1,384 people.

Her story had touched many who, inspired by her fight, set up fundraisers and sponsored events across the region from cake bake sales to marathons to help donate to her care.