THE daughter of a 'caring, loving and generous' mum of six who tragically passed away after a short illness has paid a heartbreaking tribute.

Paula Hughes, who lived in Moreton, died on Saturday, just weeks after her 49th birthday.

She leaves behind six children - two of whom are only aged seven and 14 - fiance Graham, six grandchildren and one which is due in July.

Liam, Paula's eldest child was with her holding her hand when she died.

A go-fund me page has been set up by family friend Joanne Stewart to raise funds for funeral costs and maybe a bit more for the two youngest boys.

Paying tribute, Paula's daughter Steph Hughes told the Globe this afternoon: "My mum was the heart and soul of our family, the rock, the centre of all of our worlds.

"On April 26 it was my mum's 49th birthday.

"She was happy, enjoying the sun in her garden which was her happy place.

"Now, a few weeks on, our worlds have been shattered and she's been ripped away from us.

"Every one of her children and grandchildren are who we are because we've been raised by the most caring, loving, generous, selfless woman.

"She was loved by so many people.

"Losing our mum has left such a massive hole in our world. How we are supposed to carry on I don't know, but our little brothers Jay, who is 14 and Tyar who is only seven, need us to be strong for them.

"This world will never be the same with out our mum's vibrant, bubbly personality or her beautiful smile, her laugh lit up every room and she was the light and soul of every party.

"I've lost a massive piece of my heart that will never repair its self.

"But I promise to keep my mum's memory alive for as long as I live.

"For all you've done mum, we thank you x"

The go-fund me page has been set up by family friend Joanne Stewart.

Paying tribute Joanne said: "Paula was the centre of her family after losing her mother just three years earlier.

"Paula's house was like central station with all of the children and grandchildren in and out daily.

"Paula split her time looking after her own children, grandchildren and volunteered at the Moreton Wirral St Johns Hospice.

"Because of COVID 19, none of the other children were allowed to visit or say goodbye and Liam himself as had to go straight into self-isolation and go through the loss of his mother alone!

"I am hoping to raise enough money to cover the funeral costs and maybe a bit more for the two youngest boys Tyar and Jay, who has also lost his father.

"Let's give this family the best chance of staying together and keeping their family home!"

Appealing to our readers for help, Joanne said: "Anything you can afford to donate, whether it is 1p to £1 will be much appreciated by the family am sure at this devastating time.

"It's bad enough losing a parent at such a young age let alone not being able to say goodbye!

"Let's help give Paula the send of she deserves and maybe a bit for the two youngest boys to help with their future."

To support the campaign go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-young-family-of-paula-hughes