A Marlow Bottom family’s dazzling Christmas lights display will raise thousands for a charity that supports pregnant women with cancer in a poignant tribute to a brave mother from the village who lost her fight with the disease just days before Christmas.

Nina Cusick was diagnosed with bowel cancer when she was 34-weeks pregnant with her son Teddy last year.

After bravely battling the disease for more than a year, her final wish was to see her boy open his stocking on Christmas Day this year.

However, the 34-year-old graphic designer tragically lost her fight and passed away on Thursday after developing an infection, her devastated husband Ed confirmed.

The Shepherd family, from Hill Farm Road, who put on a spectacular display of more than 30,000 Christmas lights at their home every year, and for the second year in a row, are raising money for Mummy’s Star, a charity dedicated to women and their families affected by cancer during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

Last year, the family a raised staggering £8,500 for the charity and Jancis Shepherd, head of midwifery at University of West London, said they chose the charity for a mix of “professional and personal” reasons – including Nina’s fight.

The family have now paid tribute to Nina, who they have known for many years and Mrs Shepherd said they are “extremely saddened” by her death.

She said: “We have known Nina and her family for many years. The life of this lovely lady who was a treasured daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend has been drawn to a close too soon. 

“Our heartfelt condolences and those of Mummy's Star are extended to Nina's family and friends as they try to come to terms with their loss.

“We will remember Nina with happiness for the joy that she brought to all who knew her.”

The Shepherd’s also thanked the stream of visitors to marvel at their display who have “expressed their condolences” for Nina’s family. 

She added: “This brings comfort to the family to know that they are in all our thoughts.”

Doctors first discovered Nina had lesions on her liver when she was taken to A&E with what the couple thought were pregnancy pains.

Teddy was delivered by emergency caesarean and the new mum was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma liver cancer and primary cancer in her upper bowel, prompting an outpouring of public support.

Following her diagnosis, friends and family rallied round and a campaign was set up called ‘Nina’s Fight’ in a bid to raise money towards specialist treatment and therapies.

In a heart-breaking Facebook post, Nina’s devastated husband Ed announced that his wife had passed away on December 15, 21 months after their son was born, leaving him "beyond destroyed."