Leigh Doncaster (37), who needed heart and kidney transplants following a catalogue of health problems, appealed in Chad in July last year for help to fund kidney dialysis treatment at her home.

Just two months after the appeal, £10,000 had been raised through community fundraisers and various donations – enough to buy a dialysis machine for Leigh.

The machine allowed the mum-of-two, who had suffered from diabetes since the age of nine, to spend more time at home with her family instead of having to travel to Nottingham City Hospital up to six times a week for dialysis.

But despite finding a perfect kidney donor, Leigh did not manage to build up enough strength to undergo the transplant and lost her battle for life last Wednesday.

Speaking from the family home on Rugby Road this week, Leigh's partner Frank Middlebrook said he was extremely grateful to the Rainworth community for helping to extend Leigh's life.

"When the appeal went in the Chad we were overwhelmed with the amount of people wanting to help Leigh and give her a gift of support," said Frank.

"Some directly donated money while others organised fundraisers including a car wash, summer fete and race night.

"Without people's help we would not have been able to afford the machine and without the machine we do not know how long Leigh would have lasted – it gave her the gift of spending more time with her family.

"Leigh was really close to getting a kidney transplant as myself and Leigh's dad were both perfect donors. But she did not get well enough to have the transplant, which could have extended her life by five years.

"Although she also needed a heart transplant she would never have been strong enough to have that operation."

Leigh was in Nottingham City Hospital for two weeks before she died with her parents, sister and Frank at her bedside.

"Family members travelled from all over the country to visit Leigh in hospital and we have received so many messages of support in cards, on Facebook and over the phone which we are extremely grateful for," said Frank.

"I'm sure Leigh will be remembered as always having a smile on her face and a cuddle for everyone.

"She was such an inspiration and had an amazing character. Leigh continued to study a psychology degree and a counselling skills certificate at West Notts College up until her death.

"Leigh's tutor was so impressed by her efforts that she will be given a posthumous pass on the counselling course."

Leigh leaves behind her children Connor (13) and Ellie (6), her mum Denise, step-dad Tony, her dad Ray, Ray's partner Lynn and her sister Faye.

Leigh's funeral will be held at 1.10pm on Friday at Derby Road crematorium in Mansfield. Mourners will then go onto the Potters social club on Kirklington Road in Rainworth at 1.45pm.

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