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Family and friends of a Corsham woman who lost her battle with cancer went ahead with her 40th birthday party in Spain to celebrate her life.

Dawn Holbutt, 39, had organised a group trip to Benidorm to mark her 40th birthday on March 6.

But Mrs Holbutt died on January 8, the day she was due to receive her last dose of radiotherapy.

Family friend Pam Hemmings said they initially thought about cancelling the holiday but instead decided to go in her memory.

The group, which included Mrs Hemmings, Mrs Holbutt's sister Hayley, 42, and niece Daniella,18, donned hats in their friend's favourite colour, pink.

They carried her picture with them on holiday and whenever anyone asked what they were doing in Spain they told them about Mrs Holbutt.

Mrs Hemmings, 41, who lives in Corsham, said: "We were in one of the bars and a barman asked us why we were there so we pointed at Dawny's picture.

"He asked what her favourite drink was and, when we said Bailey's, he put one in front of her and we all drank a toast.

"We talked about her all the time. It was really difficult but we made the best of it. We knew it's what she would have wanted."

Mrs Holbutt, who lived in Arnolds Mead, had been battling cancer for about five years.

The disease affected her stomach, spine and limbs and she often found the simplest of tasks really difficult.

Before she died, she had taken it upon herself to organise the birthday trip abroad, aware that every day was special.

Mrs Hemmings said: "She loved life and she made the most of every moment.

"She tried to cram in a lot, not knowing how long she had left.

"She was very young and into fashion. She loved the sun and going on holiday.

"She developed a taste for sangria but she had to be careful due to her medication. Also, everything she had was pink, she loved the colour."

Mrs Holbutt was divorced in 1999 but retained her husband's name.

The funeral took place on January 17 at St Bartholomew's Church followed by a gathering at Rudloe community centre.

Her grave is covered in pink flowers. One of the hats worn during her birthday holiday is placed upon it.

Mrs Holbutt leaves her mother Valora, father Paul, three brothers, Mark, Wayne and Del and two sisters Tracey and Hayley.

She had no children of her own but was very close to her niece, Daniella, and nephew, Jordan.

Friends and family are planning to run this year's Race for Life in memory of Mrs Holbutt.

11:09am Thursday 13th March 2008

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