Tots lose mum and dad in cancer tragedy

Happier times: Steven Overton and Helen McCran with their children Toby and Gracie.

Family and friends of Helen McCran have paid tribute to the 33 year old who died on Monday.

Helen, a nurse at Ashfield Community Hospital is survived by her two children Toby 7 and Grace 2.

Helen’s partner Steven Overton died of cancer in February.

Six weeks later Helen’s own father John McCran, 62 passed away - and in a heartbreaking twist of fate Helen herself was diagnosed with secondary cancer.

A whole community was touched by her plight and raised more than £7,000 after she said she wanted to take her children on a trip to Florida to scatter the ashes of their dad Steven.

Steven’s sister Emma Overton said: ”We are devastated - we have two young children and we will look after them.

“My mum Susan Overton and my dad Michael are going to be their carers and myself and Helen’s sister Sarah Atkin will help to raise them.

“It is an asolute mess - we are still not recovered from my brother passing away and now my little nephew and his sister have lost their mummy.

It is really hard at the moment.

She said the family had been overwhelmed by the support they had received particularly from her sister Claire Reynolds.

Her friend Tanya Hill said: “We are all devastated. Helen was a lovely person - she never a bad word to say about anybody.

Throughout her illness she was so strong and positive about everything.

“She even joked about losing her hair and never felt sorry for herself.

“She was so dignified.”

Helen’s friend Tanya Hill spearheaded a fundraising campaign to help the family take their trip to the resort where they spent their favourite family holidays.

Following generous donations from members of the public, the total came to more than £7,000.

Emma Overton said: “We used to have a family holiday where Helen, Steven, the children, myself my partner had wonderful times together.

“The thought of making that trip was what ultimately kept Helen going in her final months.

“We will take the children over along with Helen and Steven’s ashes.

“Everything is a bit raw at the moment and it will probably be in the New Year.

“All the money that has been raised will go to the children - it is all for them, they will have anything they want.”