A POPULAR barmaid who fought bravely against cancer for two years has died.

Grandmother-of-three Lesley Marsh, who worked at the Atherton Arms pub for 18 years, passed away in the early hours of Friday at the age of 56.

Lesley died at Wigan and Leigh Hospice with her devoted partner of 14 years, Stephen Clewes, at her side.

Lesley’s daughter, mum-of-one Simone, 24, said: “I am devastated and I honestly cannot believe it. My heart feels broken and my life upside down.

“I lived with my mum all my life, she meant everything to me.

“She lived for her grandkids and took them out every day.

"I am so proud of her fight and the strength she showed all the way through her battle with cancer.”

Lesley had hyperthermia treatment in February, which is not available through the NHS, at the Klinik Marinus am Stein in Germany for three weeks.

Lesley, from Atherton, responded well to the treatment initially.

Leigh Journal:

Lesley and her partner Stephen

But the breast cancer, which was diagnosed in 2017, become more severe and doctors discovered that it had spread to her lungs in November last year.

She also suffered with pneumonia and empyema in hospital but fought both off.

The mum-of-two died after an eight-day stay at the Hindley hospice.

Lesley’s role as a barmaid at the Tyldesley Road pub made her a popular figure in the community and since her death there has been a flood of tributes to her.

Leigh Journal:

Simone with two of her grandchildren, Archie and Alaiyah

Simone added: “I have received lots of messages from people who knew my mum.

"They said she was a proud, amazing woman who was dedicated to her grandkids.”

Daughter of Les and sister of Iain, Lesley also leaves behind her daughter Natasha.

Lesley's funeral will take place at Howe Bridge Crematorium on Tuesday, April 30 at 10.45am with everyone welcome to attend.