A much-loved mother-of-three has died after a four year battle with a rare form of cancer – only hours after a fundraising event was held for her.

The Comet: Children heling to raise money on their 'loom band' stall.Children heling to raise money on their 'loom band' stall. (Image: Archant)

Brave Anne Aurousseau, from Blackhorse Lane, Hitchin, died with her family around her at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Sunday evening.

The Comet: Children heling to raise money on their 'loom band' stall.Children heling to raise money on their 'loom band' stall. (Image: Archant)

Earlier that afternoon, a family fun day was held at Blueharts Hockey Club in Lucas Lane for Anne, raising funds for alternative therapies.

The 37-year-old had been fighting adenoid cystic carcinoma but was diagnosed with terminal cancer in January.

More than 300 friends, family and well-wishers were at the event on Sunday afternoon.

Anne’s husband Jamie Street said: “Anne was a genuinely wonderful person who was so full of life and we will all miss her enormously.

“I have spent 19 years with her, travelling the world, having loads of fun, buying a house, and having our three wonderful children together.

“I was lucky enough to have the pleasure of marrying her in the summer, which was one of the best days of our lives.

“The fun day was a culmination of a number of years of amazing support and generosity from so many people.

“She was a fantastic mother to Ben, Eleanor and Olive, and she was my soulmate.”

Anne had originally been diagnosed in May 2011 after she became constantly tired, developed a hacking cough and suffered weight loss.

She had responded well to a course of radiotherapy after having her thyroid removed, along with surgery to remove a golf-ball sized tumour impacting on the thyroid and a voicebox nerve.

However, the cancer returned, spreading to her lungs, throat, liver and head.

Her sister and best friend Claire Aurousseau said: “She was so brave. We all loved her so much.

“We have six young children between us and they are like brothers and sisters. Anne and I did everything together, I am going to miss her so much.

“It’s testament to Anne so many people made the fun day such a lovely day.

“We are thankful Anne had such great friends and family who rallied round in such numbers and with such generosity of spirit since her illness began.”

Anne’s mother Pauline Mason said: “She was an inspiration to everyone who met her. I am so proud of her, Jamie and Claire – and everyone who supported her and my family.”

Anne’s lifelong friends Hannah Wiseman and Jo Wearne helped organise the event.

Hannah said: “Anne was so loved and treasured. I hope in years to come Anne’s lovely children will take some comfort on the day she died there were so many people around them who loved Anne.”

Jo added: “The event came together because so many people wanted to do something positive and show they cared. I will miss my funny, bold, beautiful friend very much.”

Speaking last year, Anne said: “Cancer is a cruel and horrible thing but the last thing I would want is for people to feel sorry for me. I know everyone has their own problems and battles. It’s hard sometimes, but I just want to savour every day.”

The day raised over £6,000 with more to be added. The stalls included a loom band table run by Anne’s three children, their six cousins and schoolfriends. There was also a bouncy castle, ‘Beat the Keeper’, a cake table, and a wine auction. A fire truck and police car also attended as part of the day. Mexican food outlet Cantina Carnitas also donated their entire day’s takings.