A WOMAN’s world ‘shattered’ after losing three people she loved to cancer.

Mum-of-one Maxine Maybury, aged 50, has said goodbye to her mother, husband and her childhood sweetheart following their battles with cancer.

In 1999 her mum Patricia Waring died, but then her husband Malcolm also became ill before his death from lung cancer in 2013.

Her partner and childhood sweetheart Dave was also diagnosed with the same cancer in January 2015 after Ms Maybury noticed he had a familiar cough to Malcolm and persuaded him to see a doctor.

He went through a gruelling 20 days of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment started shortly afterwards.

Eighteen months later he began to improve, but died suddenly at home last summer.

Ms Maybury, from Breightmet, said: “From November, Dave was more or less poorly all the time, but had a few good days here and there.

"He turned 52 on July 13 and for the next few days he seemed to gain a new lease of life.

“He was back to being my Dave, complete with a twinkle in his eye and a spring in his step.

"But sadly, he passed away on July 19, very suddenly and tragically at home.

“My world was shattered.

“Together, we were strong and throughout his treatment we were confident that we would beat this disease.

"Even though our weeks together were full of hospital appointments and difficult treatment, it was the happiest period of my life.”

In 1999 her mum Patricia was diagnosed with cancer.

She underwent day therapy at Bolton Hospice for respite care but died on December10 just after Maxine and her twin sister, Michelle’s birthday.

Her husband, Malcolm was diagnosed with lung cancer and was an inpatient at at the hospice for pain management.

She cared for him for 22 months during the illness, whilst being mother to their daughter, Sophie, who was 10 at the time.

Sometime after her husband’s death, Maxine found love again with Dave. However, their happiness was short lived.

This Sunday she will be stepping out with her sister to Hike the Pike to remember their loved ones and raise money for the charity which helped her through the difficult times.

It is Bolton Hospice’s first year for the event which will see families dressed as Santas and elves walk from Ridgmont House in Horwich to Rivington Pike.

Ms Maybury adds: “My sister and I celebrate our 51st birthday on December 10, so hiking the pike in aid of Bolton Hospice will be a time to celebrate and remember all those that we love and miss this Christmas.”

Walkers will set off at around 11am.

Hospice events manager Maria Passarello, said: “This five mile uphill challenge will offer a unique opportunity for all participants, dressed as Santas and Elves to celebrate this Christmas like never before.

“A Royal Mail post box will be placed at the top of the pike for everyone to post their last wish list to Santa.

“The spirit of Christmas is truly captured in the sentiment of this event and hopefully it will bring joy and good tidings for us all.”