A HEARTBROKEN family have paid tribute to a devoted mum who died after a four-year battle with brain cancer.

Emma Selby, 38, of Peterlee died in the arms of her parents on Tuesday after suffering from three brain tumours.

In a tribute posted on Facebook, Emma's sister Karen said: "With overwhelming sadness and a heart that is broken beyond repair, I need to let you all know that this morning (Tuesday) at 7.15am, my beautiful sister Emma passed away in the arms of her mam and dad.

"She is now at peace, she fought the hardest battle for the longest time, and we are all so very proud of her, she never ever gave up.

"We were able to spend time with her today at home with all of her loved ones around which was so special, and her son Thomas was super brave.

"I want to thank each and every person that has really helped Emma in her fight, there are so many kind wonderful people out there, that really do pull together when it matters and it honestly means so much to us and meant so much to Emma."

A Durham County Council employee, Emma was diagnosed with her first brain tumour back in 2017 after suffering from dizzy spells, sickness, severe headaches and a twitchy eye - which doctors initially put down to a sinus infection.

But with her condition progressively worsening, the mum returned to hospital where she had an MRI scan which would reveal she had tumour called a brain stem glioma.

Despite the fact the tumour was inoperable, doctors were confident that radiotherapy could halt its growth and the a scan showed the treatment was working and the tumour had stabilised.

However, just two years later Emma was given the heartbreaking news that a second tumour had been found during a check-up scan.

In December, Emma had life-saving surgery on one of her three brain tumours.

Her treatment had been due to begin in March last year, but it was delayed after the country was plunged into lockdown following the outbreak of coronavirus.

More than £30,000 was raised by Emma’s loved ones, strangers and their community in a fundraising bid for potentially life-saving treatment not available on the NHS.