TOUCHING tributes have been paid to Laura Lane who passed away on July 13 at the age of 43, after bravely battling cancer.

In Laura’s memory her wife Toni Aziz is now fundraising for Forest Holme Hospice in Poole, where she died, and research into the rare cancer which claimed her soulmate’s life.

Tony, who shared a home in Branksome with fun-loving Laura, said: “She was the life and soul of the party. Once she was told her cancer was incurable Laura tried to cram as much as possible into our last months together.

“Earlier this year we went to skiing in the French Alps, on holiday to Tunisia and to the little fishing village in St Jean Cap Ferrat in Southern France which was Laura’s special place. Her ashes will be scattered there.”

Born at Poole hospital, Laura’s parents Len and Val moved from their New Milton home to Essex where she grew up.

She moved back to Poole after meeting Toni, through mutual friends, in 2000.

After trying her hand at many jobs, Laura and Toni bought the Whistlestop cafe in Parkstone with Laura working in the kitchen and Toni front of house.

They sold the business in 2006 but continued to live in Branksome.

Laura completed an Open University degree course in health studies.

After graduating, she secured a place at Middlesex University in London and decided to become a social worker.

But her Master’s degree studies were cut tragically short when Laura, who loved gardening, travelling and entertaining, was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma in September 2011.

Toni said: “Despite the diagnosis Laura remained very positive and continued fighting to the bitter end. There were so many things she wanted to do and places she still wanted to visit. She was always looking for the next experience.

“Laura was always making lists; she even planned her own funeral, from the flowers and music to the food we ate at her wake.

“She was the love of my life and an inspiration to all who knew her.”

Toni was with Laura when she passed away.

The Metropolitan Community Church in Pokesdown provided the setting for Laura’s funeral service on July 24, followed by committal at Bournemouth Crematorium.

Much-loved Laura is also missed by her sister Nyree, brother-in-law John and nephew Sebastian.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Forest Holme Hospice at forestholmehospice.org.uk or Sarcoma UK at sarcoma.org.uk