TRIBUTES have been paid to a Wrexham AFC fan who bravely fought a brain tumour.
Maria Edwards, from Llangollen, sadly died earlier this month - she was aged just 34.
Maria, who had worked as a home health carer, had courageously battled a brain tumour since November 2019, and will be very sadly missed.
Her parents, Mervyn and Olga, have paid a touching tribute to her.
"Maria, or Minnie, as we called her, fought it (the cancer) head on," they said.
"She remained positive until the very end. She never wanted to stop the chemotherapy as she truly thought she'd beat it.
"Maria referred to her brain tumour as 'Timmy the ticking time bomb' - she'd always find a way to lighten the mood, that's just the sort of person she was."
Mervyn and Olga say their "hearts were ripped apart" by losing their daughter.
"But we have been buoyed by the love and adulation of her family and friends," they said.
"Such an outpouring of love is making everybody's loss bearable."
Mervyn said: "She was so kind-hearted, and generous - she'd constantly give even if it meant her being left short.
"Maria absolutely adored children - she didn't have any of her own but would spoil everyone else's. She loved her music and was very sociable, with the Bull in Llangollen being her local pub."
He added: "She referred to me not as her dad, but as her best mate. And she absolutely loved her dog Reg - a 16-month old Labrador who misses her so much."
Maria was a big Wrexham AFC fan and had attended games home and away when she was younger.
Last month, the football club and Nightingale House - where she received care - organised for her to attend the match against Oldham Athletic at The Racecourse alongside her dad.
"She was treated like an absolute queen," Mervyn said.
"It was an absolutely brilliant day, one that will stay with us forever. She met up with fans she'd known from years ago, as well as Wayne from the Turf."
Mervyn added: "When Wrexham got promoted, it was such a boost for Maria. We're so glad she was here to witness it.
"We were there in Wrexham for the victory parade and Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds waved at her from the open top bus - it was lovely."
Mervyn and Olga have praised Nightingale House Hospice for the care and support they showed to Maria.
"They were truly amazing," they said.
"The level of care she received there was truly first class - from the carers, to receptionists and the doctors. I'm happy to say we have made friends for life with the staff there."
Maria's funeral will take place at the Pentrebychan Crematorium in Wrexham at 11am on May 30.
Attendees are encouraged to wear red for Wrexham AFC.
There will be a wake at the Bull Inn, in Llangollen.
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