'Our hearts are truly broken': Tragedy as bride-to-be, 21, loses cancer battle on wedding day

Chloe Askey was due to marry her fiancé Hakeem Patel yesterday, but instead of exchanging vows with her ‘soulmate,’ Chloe lost her short battle with cancer and passed away.

The 21-year-old, who was diagnosed with cancer last October, was well known for her work in the cattery at Thornberry Animal Sanctuary, North Anston, Rotherham.

Heartbroken friends and colleagues paid tribute to her in a Facebook post, in which they said ‘our hearts are truly broken’.

The heartfelt post reads: “This morning (Monday) this beautiful young lady tragically lost her short fight with cancer.

“She was diagnosed last year and bravely went through rounds of chemo, losing her hair but never her spirit. She had an operation six weeks ago but never fully recovered.

“Today (Monday) she should have been getting married, but instead we are mourning her loss. Our hearts are truly broken.”

The tribute continues: “Chloe worked in our cattery at the weekends overseeing hundreds of adoptions. She worked hard to ensure each cat found their perfect home.

“There is another star in the sky tonight. Sleep tight gorgeous girl, we will miss you forever.”

Chloe’s fiancée’s mum, Kerry Patel, has set up an online fundraising page in her memory to help with funeral costs and to donate to the Teenage Cancer Trust charity.

In a moving tribute, Kerry said: “Today (Monday) we lost the most amazing young lady you could ever have the pleasure of knowing, Chloe Askey.

“In October of last year just before her 21st birthday we got the horrendous news that Chloe had cancer. Two days after her birthday she started chemo which was a really hard time for Chloe but her soulmate and love of her life, Hakeem, was there by her side to help her through.

“Chloe and Hakeem were planning on getting married today but Chloe's poorly body just couldn't hold on long enough. We are asking if you could possibly help give Chloe the most amazing send off she deserves and if there is any money left over it will be donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust.”

Tributes to Chloe have been paid online, with her friend Vicky Louise describing her as ‘the bravest girl I ever knew’.

She said: “Sleep well my darling girl, you fought with all your might, the bravest girl I ever knew.

“My heart is breaking that today sweet girl. You grew your angel wings and went to look after all the rainbow animals.

“Your pain has now gone and I am so very proud of all you have done – a pleasure to have shared the time we did working weekends together at Thornberry Animal Sanctuary.

“I will miss your sweet smile, your funny banter, your stories of Africa, you showing me your newest tattoos, your laughter. I shall dearly miss you so much my beautiful, gorgeous friend. Love you always Chloe.”

Maria Turner described Chloe as a ‘happy, smiling person who was always so kind’ and Heather Wilkinson remembered her as ‘such a lovely, caring young lady’ .

To donate, visit the GoFundMe page set up in memory of Chloe.