ALMOST £13,000 has been donated to a cancer charity in honour of a mother whose life was cruelly taken by the disease.

As reported in The Journal, much loved Sarah Nixon, 38, died just weeks after doctors discovered cancer in her ovaries when she gave birth to Poppy, born six weeks premature, by emergency Caesarean.

A online fundraising page was set up by her heartbroken husband Chris to help generate vital funds for leading charity Cancer Research UK and raise awareness of the condition.

Last night, a staggering £12,726 had been donated to Sarah’s justgiving page – just four days after the web page was set up.

As many as 150 kind-hearted people have logged on and given money, including anonymous donations of £5,000 and £2,000.

Chris, who lives in Rickleton, Washington, said: “I am delighted that almost £13,000 has been raised for Cancer Research UK in about four days.

“I’m very surprised by the number of donations and the average donation is in the region of £50 to £100, and any amount is very much appreciated.

“In life, I always think, out of bad there must come some good. I get comfort in knowing that money is being raised for research into cancer.

“One in three people are said to be affected by the illness and I feel something has to be done.”

Chris said he will continue raising money for Cancer Research UK in honour of his wife.

Since Sarah’s death on January 17 many tributes have been left, with the part-time nurse being remembered as a “beautiful and genuine lady”.

One comment on the fundraising page, left by Alison Blackwood reads: “Sarah, we miss you more than words can say.”

Another by Rachael Reid reads: “A lovely friend, and an inspiration. I will miss you.”

Sarah leaves behind her husband Chris, 41, joint managing director of family business Nixon Hire, and her three children Oliver, five, Sophia, three and three-month-old Poppy.

Anyone wanting to donate to Cancer Research UK in honour of Sarah can visit www.justgiving.com/sarah-nixon-newcastle