MUM of two Sharon Grimwood has died after an almost two-year battle with an inoperable brain tumour.

Her funeral in St Michael's Parish Church, Kingsteignton, was held on what would have been her 37th birthday, and outside 37 pink balloons were released by her family.

Because of her love of horses the family decided her last journey from her home in Robers Road, Kingsteignton, to the church, should be in a horse-drawn carriage.

It was in November 2007 that the then Sharon Parsons was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Bravely she decided that she would do everything she could for her two children Jodi and Ruby now aged eight and three respectively.

Her dream was to take them to Euro Disney, in Paris and film them with her.

Friends, relatives and organisations rallied around with numerous events, raising more than enough money for the dream to come true.

Not only that but she was able to take the youngsters to Weymouth, Center Parcs and Butlins, helping to build picture memories to leave her family when she eventually lost her battle.

She lived in Kingsteignton all her life, for several years working in Teignmouth's Cliffden Hotel for the blind. Later she ran her own dog walking and animal care business. During that time she liked nothing more than taking part in dog agility trials with her border collie Cap.

Sharon married her partner Paul Grimwood in St Michael's Church in November last year when Jodi and Ruby were the bridesmaids.

She spent the last four weeks of her life in Rowcroft Hospice.

Paul thanked the staff at Rowcroft for the excellent care given to his wife.

'They were wonderful. Although as a family we knew that Sharon's life was coming to an end, we were still stunned by it.

'She fought so hard and did everything she could for the children, myself and the family after being told of such a devastating diagnosis.

'We would like to thank all those who organised events to raise money to make her dreams come true. Everyone has been marvellous,' he said.

Top: the family release the 37 pink balloons after the funeral service.

Left: The horse drawn carriage arrives at St Michael's Church.

INSET: Sharon pictured with daughters Ruby and Jodi that appeared on the front page of the Mid-Devon Advertiser, Kingsteignton edition on March 7, 2008.