A POPULAR and much-loved ‘treasured angel’ from Weston has died at the age of 27 following her fight with a long-term illness.
Former Worle Community School pupil Hayley Dowdell died on November 10 from cystic fibrosis (CF), a debilitating condition which affects the lungs and digestive system.
Pages of Facebook tributes have flooded in following her death with many saying what an inspirational, talented and fun-loving person she was.
The Weston College graphics teacher, who lived with her long-term partner Mike Strickland in West Wick, was known among friends, colleagues and family for being incredibly determined as she did not let her illness stand in the way of her ambitions.
Her mum and dad, Michelle and Craig Dowdell and younger brother Curtis, all of Liphook, Hampshire, best friend Laura Brookes, of Weston, and boyfriend Mike, have together released a tribute to the Mercury.
It said: “Hayley Anne Dowdell is now the most treasured angel watching over us and every moment we shared with her is now a wonderful memory to cherish.
“We will never forget her laugh, her beautiful smile, her wonderful sense of fun and the way she radiated happiness to all around her.
“Sadly at the age of 27 she has lost her fight to survive cystic fibrosis, but she will always be remembered and deeply, deeply missed.”
Hayley, who enjoyed photography, camping and regularly attended Glastonbury Festival, also spent time teaching elderly people in Weston arts and crafts and had recently launched her own graphic design and illustrator website.
As well as carrying out the Bristol 10k to raise money for CF, where she collected more than �1,000, she also took part in Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week in May and shared her story with Mercury readers in a bid to create awareness of the illness.
Her family added: “In her memory and to carry on the fight against this cruel illness, Hayley’s wishes are for everyone to make a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.”
Nearly �800 has already been raised - to donate visit www.justgiving.com/HayleyDowdell
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