The family of a "bubbly and loving" mum have paid heartfelt tributes to her after she lost a four-year battle with cancer.

Lisa Marie Freeman, 30, died on Tuesday, February 7, leaving her children Faith Freeman, 10, and Keine Lewis, 4.

Her family told the Echo they had been inundated with messages of love and support from the huge number of people whose lives she touched.

Her mother Glynis Clifton, who will now care for her grandchildren, said: "Lisa was very brave, very courageous, she always tried to have a smile on her face and never complained that things got her down,"

"She was bubbly, funny, and had a really good sense of humour, just like her father.

"She fought right to the end, but I think she'd had enough of fighting. I've just very recently moved in with her and I will be looking after the kids now. I think that she knew she could let go because her kids are safe and taken care of.

"She went downhill really fast and died quite fast. She died at home peacefully."

Lisa was diagnosed with liver and lung cancer, which had spread from her adrenal glands, in 2007. She underwent major surgery in May 2008 which saw her adrenal glands and spleen removed.

But doctors were forced to carry out more surgery to remove two lumps from each lung in May 2009.

She died with her mum by her bedside at about 5.30am.

"She didn't want people crying and stuff. She said when she went for the last lot of results, 'don't you cry mum, don't you cry', so I've always kept it in," said Glynis.

"Lisa loved her family very much. Her children were the most important thing in her life. She used to tell us she loved us all every day.

"Faith is going to do her mum's hair and make-up for the funeral and Lisa will be buried with her dad."

Since her death, the family, including brothers John and James Clifton, have been rallying round to help.

John said: "She was always the centre of the party if she went out, always first on the dance floor. She's going to be very missed."

Close friend Lisa Richards, 30, said: "She had such a lovely smile. She was a very popular girl and very spontaneous.

"We've been friends since we were 10. We've even got children who are the same age.

"Sometimes we'd be at home with a night away from the kids and we'd just decide to get up and go out for a night in town. They were the best nights. It's heartbreaking she's gone."

The funeral is due to take place on Friday, February 17, at 1pm at Our Lady of Lincoln Church. A burial will follow at Newport Cemetery.

The family has asked for donations to be made to Macmillan Cancer and St Barnabas Hospice in lieu of flowers.

A fundraiser in Lisa's name will be held that evening at Lincoln Hospital Club from 7.30pm. Money raised through auctions on the night will go to both charities.