Tributes have been paid to a “devoted mam” who tragically died just months after the birth of her second child after bravely battling cancer while pregnant.

Mum of two Sammie Sherwood, who was just 37, discovered she was pregnant soon after she underwent surgery for breast cancer late last year.

She had chemotherapy while pregnant with “little miracle” Imogen Rose, who was born eight weeks prematurely in June.

Sammie completed her gruelling treatment in the summer before tragically her condition suddenly worsened in October

Sammie gave birth to Imogen Rose in June while still battling breast cancer.

placeholder image — Sammie gave birth to Imogen Rose in June while still battling breast cancer.

She died leaving her family and friends devastated and has been described as “a remarkable woman, a devoted mam, a loving wife and an inspiration to everyone around her”.

Sammie, a huge Harry Potter fan, was a founding trustee and volunteer listener at town charity LilyAnne’s Wellbeing and played an important role in its development.

Her family said her strength, kindness and determination touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

They said: “Throughout an unimaginable journey with breast cancer, she faced every challenge with courage, positivity and a smile, always putting the needs of others before her own.”

Sammie and Trevor Sherwood enjoying precious family time with their children Theo, seven, and new baby Imogen Rose.

She was married to LilyAnne’s co-founder Trevor Sherwood and was also mum to their first child Theo, aged seven.

Sammie discovered a lump in her right breast last year during a regular self-examination.

However, just one week after surgery, while attending a fertility clinic to explore harvesting her eggs ahead of chemotherapy, Sammie and Trevor discovered she was already pregnant.

Over the following months throughout chemotherapy, the couple juggled an exhausting schedule of hospital visits, medical procedures and scans.

What should have been an exciting time preparing for their new baby was accompanied by constant uncertainty, difficult decisions and the emotional strain.

But Trevor said Sammie approached each appointment and treatment with determination, humour and an infectious smile.

Imogen Rose arrived on June 6 and spent the first three weeks of her life being cared for by the neonatal team at the University Hospital of North Tees before being allowed home.

After Imogen’s birth, Sammie continued her treatment, undergoing radiotherapy, eventually ending in August.

Her family said: “After everything she had endured, Sammie was looking forward to spending time with her family, enjoying motherhood and beginning to rebuild a sense of normality.”

Sadly, in September she began experiencing severe back pain and was rushed to hospital for further investigations.

In October, further tests confirmed the heartbreaking news the cancer was incurable.

Sammie died peacefully on October 23 surrounded by her loved ones.

Trevor said: “We would like to thank everyone who has shown us kindness and support over the darkest days of our lives.

“The community has shown us the greatest levels of support and really we have felt like they have returned the support we have offered them over the years.

“Sammie will be missed and loved every single day, the world will never be the same again without Sammie and her beautiful smile.”

Her family say her legacy is not defined by cancer, but by the love she gave, the lives she touched and the strength she demonstrated throughout her journey.

Her funeral is being held on Thursday, November 12, when friends and family were invited to take along a Harry Potter wand.