MANY tributes have been paid to a remarkable and brave Thurrock woman who has lost her fight against cancer.

Kerry Woodbury was well known in the Stanford-le-Hope area where she and husband Tony owned and ran the Small Monsters soft play centre in Corringham.

In 2011 Kerry set up the Corringham and Mummies Facebook page as a help for local mothers and families with small children and it has grown into a popular site with more than 2,000 members.

In February 2019 Kerry was diagnosed with breast cancer and she choose to share her pain, anguish, hopes and aspirations with other women in a similar situations by writing a blog about her illness.

'My Left Boob' catalogued her journey in the battle with cancer, sharing not just the brighter moments, but also those times of despair so that other women might know they are not alone. She even published the most unflattering of pictures – knowing it might help others!

The blog had many followers, including broadcaster Piers Morgan who broadcast some of 41-year-old Kerry's posts from Basildon Hospital while she was being treated during the coronavirus lockdown.

The following she achieved on her blog was summed up by one commentator, Melanie, who wrote: "I came across your blog a couple of months ago. You write so honestly and your sense of humour is weaved through every post. Your love for others is clear."

Yesterday (Friday, 4 September) Tony took to 'My Left Boob' with a heartbreaking message, telling everyone that Kerry's fight had come to an end.

He wrote: "I am heartbroken to let you know that Kerry left us peacefully last night after her fight against cancer.

"She was brave and tenacious and kind and loving. She was a mother, a daughter, a sister, an auntie, a friend and the best wife. But things always end. Being finite is what gives them value. And our time together made me the richest man in the world. Rest in peace baby."

Tony's message immediately prompted dozens of messages of condolence and tribute.

One of them, by her sister, Angela Newton, sums up the feeling. She wrote: This is so emotional and hard to read. Before coronavirus it was hard enough to accept but since this lockdown we have all been devastated and Kerry has constantly been in our thoughts.

"We will never fully understand what she was going through physically or mentally. We did try but found that her positivity and optimism carried us on this journey with her.

"At times we were in denial with what was happening but each time she came through another bad episode our faith was restored. She will never know how much we all looked to her for inspiration.

"She was my sister, my strength and my hero. I am sure I speak on behalf of all our family. We have not been able to visit regularly but she was always present in our busy lives.

"We loved her yesterday, today, tomorrow and always. She has earned her angel wings."