TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Whitchurch woman who has died at the age of 40.

Clare Ashley, who worked for estate agent Halls, passed away on Saturday night, following a battle with cancer.

Her sister Kerry has led the tributes, praising the “brave, selfless and strong” nature of Clare and the care she received at Severn Hospice in Shrewsbury.

“She passed away in her sleep peacefully [Saturday] evening at Severn Hospice,” said Kerry.

“We as a family are and will be eternally grateful for the level of care and kindness that they showed to Clare and ourselves during her final days.

“She battled against this evil disease with such dignity and strength, but in the end it was her time to fly high with the angels, and join my lovely mum, her nans and grandads and her beloved Staffie Murphy.

“We also as a family would like to thank her close friends, particularly Shell, Mandy and Gail for their kindness and selfless help over the last 15 months or so.

“Clare I know was touched, and myself, dad and Olivia really couldn’t have got through this without your help.

“Fly high and rest in peace, my lovely sister Clare.

“You will never know how much you will be missed.”

Meanwhile, Clare’s friends will be ‘braving the shave’ in her honour.

Michelle Whitaker, Kerry Davies and Hayley Burns, who work at Whitchurch Community Hospital in Claypit Street, will be joined by Nic Field for the challenge.

The charity head shave will take place at the White Bear in High Street on Friday, November 29 at 6pm.

The group have already raised several thousand pounds for the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund and Ward 23 at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, where Clare had been undergoing treatment.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ClareAshley or justgiving.com/fundraising/gail-hodgson4