Despite being diagnosed with cervical cancer, one of the most common forms of the disease in young women, fewer sufferers than ever are dying from it thanks to a national screening programme.

However, doctors were left stunned as the cancer spread through her body and, despite treatment and operations, the Sunderland mother-of-one eventually lost her battle with the disease.

"It was a complete shock to everyone," said her mum Mervian, who is now looking after Andrea's five-year-old daughter Charly.

"Andrea got progressively worse and as the cancer spread she was in and out of hospital for treatment.

"She had two operations to try to get rid of it, but we don't know why the cancer spread so quickly."

The death of Andrea, of Town End Farm, devastated her family.

"It took us all a long to time to come to terms with what had happened," said Mervian, who has two other daughters, Lesley, 39, and Samantha, 24.

"We're looking after Charly and she is doing well. She was only two when she lost her mum.

"It's still difficult some days, but we'll never forget Andrea. She was an amazing person."

On the third anniversary of Andrea's death, family and friends of the popular call-centre worker gathered to pay tribute to her and support other sufferers of the disease.

Mervian, along with her husband James, 60, spent weeks organising the event at Town End Farm Club last month. They have also created a garden at the family home in memory of the inspirational mum.

"We'd always wanted to do something to help Cancer Research which provides so much help to people with cancer," said Mervian.

"We also had a lot of help from the Macmillan nurses when Andrea was ill. Everybody was marvellous.

"It was an emotional and tiring time organising the charity night, but it was worth it in the end.

"We sold 300 tickets and raised £1,600. We had a lot of support and people were so generous. We want to thank everybody who came along and made a donation."

For more information about Cancer Research visit www.cancerresearchuk.org