A SILSDEN mother-of-four who has been battling bowel cancer at a specialist clinic in Germany has lost her fight for life.

Sally Major, 33, died peacefully on Friday night.

Her family, who were told in November last year that her cancer was terminal, were bringing her home yesterday (Apr 12) from the Hallwang Clinic, where radical treatment gave her husband and children four additional precious months together.

Sally’s husband, Liam, has thanked supporters who had raised thousands of pounds to help pay for his wife's treatment.

“The donations sent to us by people have been so much appreciated and helped us keep the treatment going,” he said.

On Saturday Mr Major told supporters on the family’s Facebook fundraising page, So, Sally Can Wait: “It breaks my heart a little bit more than it already is saying this, but my amazing, gorgeous, courageous wife Sally Jayne drifted away to a better and more peaceful place last night, whilst me and her mum squeezed her with immense amounts of love.

“Whilst the treatment was working, her kidneys couldn’t handle any more. The doctors and nurses here tried absolutely everything and have been brilliant.

“Never have I met before or will I meet again anyone so amazing, my soulmate, penguin, the absolute love of my life, and the perfect mum to our beautiful and strong kids. She’ll live in them forever.

“Sleep tight babe, you deserve a rest, and we’ll have a chat later, love you infinitely forever and a day, your penguin xxx.”

The family had been desperately trying to raise funds to continue Sally’s radical treatment at the clinic, and had received tens of thousands of pounds from wellwishers.

The Majors had also remortgaged their home, sold their car and borrowed money from friends, family and the bank after running up bills of more than £210,000.

The treatments Sally received were not available on the NHS in England.

Mr Major added: “There were so many people who wished Sally well and these people have left some wonderful comments and tributes. I have read each one and they have helped massively."

Sally’s sister, Vanessa Outlaw, said her mother Michelle Hinnitt – who was by her daughter’s side with her son-in-law when Sally died – had returned home to Yorkshire on Sunday to be comforted by her husband Ian Hinnitt and the rest of the family.

Sally's four children – Ryan, 13, Adam 12, Maisy, six and George, three – were also in Germany to say their last goodbyes like their mum had wanted.

Mrs Outlaw said: “Sally will always be with us through her children. This will make us stronger. Liam is finding it very difficult but we will all be there for each other. Fundraising will continue as Sally would have wished to help her family get out of debt for Liam’s and the children’s sake. He needs one less stress to worry about.”

A massive network of well-wishers moved by the Major family’s plight has already raised more than £70,000 towards the cutting-edge therapies she was receiving.

News of Sally’s death has been met with great sadness, particularly in her home town of Silsden. Silsden AFC sent its thoughts and prayers to the family on Twitter. The village’s Disco Zumba members have raised £305 which will now go to the family.

An Easter fun day on Sunday from noon to 6pm at Shipley & District Social Club in Saltaire Road will also be going ahead.

Other events include a fundraiser at The Junction pub in Otley on Easter Sunday. Salts Bar, in Victoria Road, Shipley, will be having a charity quiz night on Friday, May 19.