Rachel Stansfield (24) was to marry sweetheart Alan Heys (33) on Monday at Mytton Fold Hotel, Langho.

But after a three-year fight against cancer, the former St Hilda's RC High School pupil died last Thursday, three weeks after being told she was terminally ill.

Her parents, Gary and Mary Stansfield, have paid tribute to their "determined and spirited" daughter who touched the hearts and lives of so many.

Mary said: "Rachel was always strong, brave and cheerful. My daughter was just a happy little soul who saw the best in people and was very popular."

You can leave your own online tribute to Rachel - and words of comfort for her family - by clicking here.

The former customer service adviser was diagnosed with spinal cancer in May, 2005, after being referred to the Royal Preston Hospital when she complained of backache. She was referred to the Young Oncology Unit at Christie Hospital, Manchester, in October, 2005. Although she went into remission in August, 2006, she took a turn for the worse in April the following year and the disease spread throughout her body.

The popular young woman, who was close to her sister, Laura (27), met her fiance in January, 2000, and they bought their first home together in Mitella Street, Burnley, in 2002. The happy couple became engaged in May, 2004, and dreamed of marrying in the Dominican Republic.

Mrs Stansfield added: "Rachel was his best friend as well as his partner and he is absolutely devastated he has lost her. He was totally committed to her and she loved him dearly. It is a tragic shame that the wedding was never to be."

Rachel was an avid traveller, who also enjoyed shopping, and grew up in Stroyan Street before spending her teenage years in Deer Park Road.

Staff from Christie's, Yorkshire Street Medical Practice and district nurses from Burnley and Colne (who Mr and Mrs Stansfield would like to dedicate a special thank you to) have sent cards to the family saying it was a "privilege" knowing Rachel.

The funeral cortege will leave Rachel's parents' home in Colne at 10-20 a.m. today for Requiem Mass at Christ the King RC Church, Burnley, at 11 a.m. It will be followed by burial at Burnley Cemetery at 12-30 p.m.