A young woman who inspired comedian Peter Kay to perform his first stand-up show for years has died after a long battle with brain cancer. Laura Nuttall, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma following a routine eye test five years ago, died in the early hours of this morning.

In a moving Facebook tribute to her daughter, mum Nicola described Laura as “fierce and tenacious to the end”.

She added: “I’m heartbroken. It was truly the honour of my life to be her mum.

“We are devastated at the thought of life without our girl.

“She was a force of nature.”

When she was first diagnosed, Laura, from Barrowford, Lancashire, was given just 12 months to live.

However, defying expectations, she completed a “bucket list” of goals.

This included graduating from the University of Manchester, taking command of a Royal Navy ship, and presenting the BBC weather forecast.

In addition, she went fishing with Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer, met former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, and raised thousands of pounds for brain cancer charities.

Kay performed two sold-out sets at Manchester’s O2 Apollo last year to raise money for the 21-year-old to have immunotherapy treatment in Germany.

Speaking afterwards, Nicola said the gigs were “brilliant” and they had an “amazing day”.

Peter Kay himself also took the family out for a pub lunch.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “Heartbreaking news.

“My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. RIP Laura.”

Comedian and actress Diane Morgan said: “I’m so sorry.

“I feel like I got to know her a little bit through your posts.

“She was an amazing person. I could see that. And she couldn’t have had more loving parents. Sending you tonnes of love and support xxx.”