A Moray woman whose son was found dead on a riverbank has been left grieving the loss of a second child after her daughter lost her brave battle with cancer.
Mum-of-two Paula McPherson-McIntyre was diagnosed with melanoma after a mole became malignant.
She underwent radiotherapy, chemotherapy and alternative treatment in Ireland.
But the cancer – which started on her neck behind her ear – spread to her brain and she lost her two-year fight with the illness on Tuesday.
Last night, her family said she had been a “total inspiration” even when she was desperately sick.
The 33-year-old’s mother, Aileen McPherson, said the heartache over her daughter’s death was compounded by the tragic loss of her son Aidan four years ago.
The body of the 19-year-old – who was the youngest of her 10 children – was found on the banks of the River Lossie in March 2011.
He had disappeared at Hogmanay.
Mrs McPherson said: “We have such a large family, it’s just been very hard for everybody, especially with losing Aidan too.
“But I’m just such a proud mum.
“Paula never complained once during her illness. She didn’t want to upset anyone by letting them know she was in pain. She was so unselfish. Just a total inspiration.
“Everybody reacts differently, and she was one of the fighters. She had up days and down days, but she made the most of the up days.
“She was a big, big family woman and her kids were her life. She was a good daughter, full of fun and a very bubbly person.”
Her younger sister, Gayle McPherson, said: “She has left a big hole in everyone’s hearts. She’s going to be sorely missed.”
Paula’s main ambition in life was to marry and that wish came true on May 16, when she tied the knot with the father of her children and her partner of 13 years, Peter McIntrye.
Mr McIntyre said: “She fought to the end in every way. The oncologist gave her three months – that was eight months ago.
“She more than doubled that and defied the odds to the end and never, ever lost her sense of humour.
“She was the best person I ever met. She never complained about anything, was a great mum, a great wife and a great daughter.”
Her husband added: “The wedding was just brilliant. It was her dream, and it was the best day of my life. She never let the illness get her down at all.
“She looked beautiful, she was dancing the whole night and made it her day.”
The couple had daughters, Kenya, 7, and Paige, 5, together and Mr McIntyre’s 16-year-old son, Sean, completed their family.
Mrs McPherson said one of the most difficult aspects of the tragedy was breaking the news of a second death in the family to the young children.
She added: “When the kids lost their Uncle Aidan, they knew where he was and they knew mummy wasn’t well, but Paige we think has a gift.
“We told the girls Uncle Aidan came to look after Paula, and, today, Paige told us she dreamed about her mum last night.
“She said mummy was in the bed with her and told her she had to go away with Uncle Aidan, but daddy would look after her.”
Although funeral arrangements are still to be finalised, the family hope to hold Paula’s “celebration of life” service in Elgin on Wednesday next week.
Mrs McPherson-McIntyre will be buried in her wedding dress.
Her mother said: “She always said she wanted to wear it again, but didn’t get to, so now she will and we think she’d have liked that.”