The family of a 'fun-loving mother who always had a smile' has paid tribute to a 43-year-old Sheringham woman who died from a long battle with cancer.

Michelle Richardson, of Pine Grove, was first diagnosed in 2006 when what was thought to be sciatic leg pains turned out to be a tumour in her right buttock.

At the time she underwent surgery to remove the gluteus maximus muscle but in December 2010, four-and-a-half years later, her cancer returned and a biopsy revealed another tumour.

But Mrs Richardson made the bold decision with her husband of 13 year David, 39, and two children Ella-Mae, 12, and Euan, nine, to cease treatment after doctors told her they could not cure the cancer.

'Chemotherapy wasn't working, and it wasn't going to work,' Mr Richardson said.

'It was a family decision as she was given a less than 20pc chance of it working. She said there was no point lying in bed when she could be living.'

After her second diagnosis the family went on holiday to Disneyland Paris last February and then a dream two-week holiday to Ibiza in July, after generous locals rallied round to donate �8,000.

As well as her family, one of Mrs Richardson's many loves was her garden. She also enjoyed her job as a teaching assistant at Sheringham Primary School where, according to headteacher Dominic Cragoe, she was 'loved' by everybody.

Mr Cragoe said: 'We are really, really sad. She was a lovely woman. She was kind and the interests of the children were paramount.

'We all loved Michelle and miss her smily, cheery face around the school and the community.'

Before her death on March 21, she made sure all the arrangements were put in place for her funeral, which took place for close family and friends at St Peter's Church in the town on Monday.

Mr Richardson added: 'She even chose her own coffin, which is an absolutely beautiful skyscape with a dove and Michelle down to a tee.'

She passed away at her home in the arms of her family and one of her last requests was to urge people to get tested if they found a lump.

'Michelle always used to say she wanted people to be aware of lumps and to get them looked at and go back for a second opinion if they are unsure - don't be fooled and follow your heart,' Mr Richardson added.

The family thanked everyone who supported them and gave a special mention to Priscilla Bacon Lodge in Norwich, Manor Court carers, Macmillan Cancer Support, Sheringham surgery and district nurses from Benjamin Court in Cromer.

? For more information or to send donations to the family's chosen charities, Priscilla Bacon Lodge and Sarcoma UK, please contact Blyth Funeral Services on 01263 823155.