THE heartbroken family of a crusading mum who fought tirelessly against loan sharks is urgently appealing for help to pay for her funeral.

The two children of campaigning Carol Highton MBE from Runcorn are striving to ‘give her the send off she deserves’.

She lost her two-year battle against cancer at Halton Haven Hospice on Monday.

Her family is trying to raise almost £6,000 for her funeral costs and only has until Tuesday to meet the first payment.

Wellwishers have already donated £3,414.

Carol’s son, Stephen, aged 34, said: “We tried to get mum insured but because of her illnesses, we would have needed another mortgage.

“We’ve been blown away by all the help so far. It has been overwhelming.

“The community has rallied around.”

Carol, aged 52, from Halton Brook, set up a charity after her 22-year-old son, Brian committed suicide in 2005, when his £300 loan rocketed to £3,400 in 12 weeks.

She vowed to conquer loan sharks and her efforts helped to secure many convictions.

More than 22,000 victims sought help from her charity.

Dad-of-three Stephen said: “Mum was totally selfless and determined.

“She did all she could to prevent other families going through what we had to.”

Carol took ill whilst receiving her MBE two years ago and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

She underwent a 16-hour operation and chemotherapy, but was warned the cancer could return.

Stephen, a customer care adviser at O2 in Preston Brook, added: “It came back in February. She started chemotherapy but it had an adverse effect.

“She decided to stop treatment and spend the time she had left with her grandchildren.

“Throughout her life she always went without for us.

“I’m quite a macho man but I’m not afraid to say my mum is my hero.

“She is a supermum.

“Our children are so proud of their nan and always will be.

“We want to give mum the send off she deserves.”

Stephen and his wife, Laura have three children, Demi-Leigh, aged 12, Isabelle, aged 10, and Lucy, aged five. They are expecting a son in August.

Carol’s daughter, Katie-Jo, aged 29, has an eight-year-old daughter, Briony-Mae.

Carol’s funeral is at 12.30pm on Friday, July 3 at St Edward’s Catholic Church in Ivy Street, Runcorn.

It will be followed by cremation at Widnes for family and friends only.

Carol’s ashes will then be buried with her son, Brian at Runcorn Cemetery.

Her family estimates the funeral and cremation costs to be £3,900 plus around £1,500 for the burial and headstone engraving.

To donate to Carol’s funeral fund, visit gogetfunding.com/carol-highton-mbe/