TRIBUTES have been paid to a “courageous young woman” whose “remarkable legacy will live on.”

Amy Garton-Hughes, from Nercwys, died on New Year’s Day, aged 28. She had Cockayne Syndrome, a rare disorder which causes premature ageing.

In 2017 the Leader reported how Ben Hughes, then a sixth-former at Mold Alun, was selected to take part in the BBC One Show Rickshaw Challenge as he helped with his sister’s care and was a part of the group Amy and Friends Cockayne Syndrome and Trichothiodystrophy Support.

The group, which helps to raise awareness of Cockayne Syndrome, posted a moving message from Amy on New Year’s Day.

In it she said: “My name is Amy - I am 28 and today on January 1 2020 at 12.15 I became an angel.

The Leader:

Staff at Ellesmere Port's Marks and Spencer store welcomed Amy Garton-Hughes to mark the start of a fundraising campaign

“I have taken my final earthly breath and now I am free to fly to my many friends who are waiting for me. Imagine the joy I am experiencing.

“To those of you that I leave behind, I know you’ll cry for me - I want you to cry for a little bit and then I want you to stop and live your lives. Make sure you live them well.

“Do as I once could - dance, light up the room, sing as loud as you can. Who cares if you’re not in tune!

“Take time for your friends, have a cuppa with them - tea was my favourite, two sugars (Mum I know you only put half a teaspoon in but I made everyone else put two teaspoons in!)

“Take joy from the smallest of things and most of all love with all of your heart.

“Know that I am keeping you in my heart and we will meet again one day.

“A lovely Indian doctor once gave me a name ‘Diya’ (pronounced dear).

“He said it was a little clay lamp that shined brightly giving warmth and light to everyone who saw it......I will keep shining and sending you lovely warm fuzzy feelings when you think of me.

“In the meantime look for rainbows, butterflies and Minis (my ultimate dream was to buy a pink mini, drive to my true love Nick and go on a road trip to Disney!)

“I love you all.”

The Steve Morgan Foundation, a grant giving trust fund supporting small charities and voluntary organisations working with those suffering disability, disadvantage and social isolation, paid tribute to Amy.

A spokesman said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of our lovely friend Amy Hughes, the inspiration behind Amy and Friends Cockayne Syndrome and Trichothiodystrophy Support.

“A courageous and feisty young woman who, along with her wonderful family, have shone the light on Cockayne Syndrome, providing love and support world wide.

“Amy won the Morgan Foundation ‘Against All Odds’ award in 2012 and has held a place in our hearts ever since.

“Her remarkable legacy will live on.”