Tributes have flooded in for former Swindon nurse Mandy Haigh who recently died from cancer. 

Mandy, 54, lived in the town before retiring to Cyprus with her partner Brian but was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer last year.

Mandy wanted to return to the UK to spend time with her children and grandchildren but had become too ill to do so via conventional means, prompting her loved ones to start a fundraising campaign for a private air ambulance to bring her back

But before the required amount could be raised, Mandy died on March 17. 

Her family announced that the money raised would be used to bring Mandy back to the UK for her funeral. 

The GoFundMe page can be viewed at https://gofund.me/1a083593

Swindon Advertiser: Mandy with her daughters Photo: Sian JellimanMandy with her daughters Photo: Sian Jelliman (Image: Sian Jelliman)

Back in Swindon, those who knew Mandy have paid tribute to her as a person and as a dedicated nurse at the Great Western Hospital. 

Some of her former colleagues have even planned a raffle to help raise money towards her send-off. 

The raffle, organised by Clair Miles, Sue Bennett and Sarah Grand, will be taking place on April 12 at 6pm, with all of the proceeds being donated directly to Mandy's daughter Sian Jelliman. 

Anyone who wants tickets can message them directly on Facebook.

Clair said: "Mandy was one-in-a-million, beautiful inside and out, she had time and respect for all she met.

"She was kind enough to hold my hen party at her house seven years ago and even got my family from Reading to come without my knowledge.

"She was an excellent nurse and very very good at her job. She will be very very missed by all that knew her."

Sue said: "I knew her through work. All I can say is that she had a massive heart, she loved her job and gave her everything to help others that's why we are doing what we can to get her home.

"She is and was a true angel."

Friend of Mandy's, Leanne Anger, added: "Your family was everything to you, you beamed with pride, you spoke so lovingly of your children and husband and I always thought that I want to be like you, to walk through every day smiling and knowing how lucky you were and share with everyone your love for your family.

"I'm going to make sure my heart is as full as yours."