MOTHER-of-two Fiona Crompton, who was seen by million of viewers in a TV advertising campaign for Cancer Research, has lost her seven-year battle for life.. Fiona, 41, who lived in the Wood End area of Harpenden with her husband Simon and children Sophie

MOTHER-of-two Fiona Crompton, who was seen by million of viewers in a TV advertising campaign for Cancer Research, has lost her seven-year battle for life..

Fiona, 41, who lived in the Wood End area of Harpenden with her husband Simon and children Sophie, aged 13 and son James, 11, died on Friday.

She recently featured in the Cancer Research UK advertising campaign using real sufferers to highlight that cancer is not something that happens to 'other' people.

Her husband Simon, 42, said this week: "It's only a month ago we were on holiday in the Norfolk Broads. We were very shocked to lose her so suddenly even though she was told on September 1 that the cancer had spread to her liver and there was nothing further that could be done.

"We've been together since Fiona was a 16-year old pupil at Sir John Lawes."

Fiona, who taught at Wood End primary school in Harpenden until the beginning of the year, had been treated with chemotherapy on and off since she was told two years ago that the cancer had spread into her bones.

Wood End head teacher Diane John said: "Fiona was inspirational in her attitude to her illness. Her ability to put others at their ease, her vitality, her energy and enthusiasm and her practicality made her a true pleasure to work with and to know. We will miss her very much and our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this very difficult time."

The TV ad campaign was Fiona's second time in the limelight - three years ago she appeared on What Not To Wear with Mica Paris and Lisa Butcher.

The purpose was for her - as a breast cancer survivor - to learn how to prevent a mastectomy hijacking her femininity. She was shown ways to dress that allowed her to be stylish and practical.

Simon admitted at the time that he was speechless when he saw the transformation of his wife complete with hair-do, make-up and new clothes.

Fiona was featured in the Herts Advertiser at the time of the Cancer Research UK campaign and said: "I am terrified that I won't see my children grow up and that devastates me.

"Cancer has changed my life in so many ways. I now feel able to make choices about what is important. My family comes first and other pointless things fade away. I now create wonderful memories for my kids as you don't know what lies around each corner."

Some of those memories were swimming with dolphins, a South African safari and more recently a balloon flight.

She also made up photobooks recording key moments in the lives of her and her family.

Simon said: "Fiona even planned her own funeral down to the music and the decision that everyone who comes must wear something pink or purple - even the men. She wanted it to be a celebration of her life - not a morbid gloomy affair."

The funeral took place at St Nicholas Church in Church Green, Harpenden, at 1pm on Friday. Collections were taken for Cancer Research instead of flowers or donations can be made through www.justgiving.com/ForFionaC