A FIFE family spoke this week of the courage their daughter showed in a brave fight against cancer which took her life at just 36 years old.
Elaine Barnes, of Macindoe Crescent, Kirkcaldy, died last Thursday after battling a rare form of the disease for over a year-and-a-half.
More than 150 people are expected to turn out for her funeral tomorrow (Friday) - an indication of just how popular she was.
Mum Alice (64), of Methilhill, said: "Elaine was a brilliant, bubbly girl who loved being with her family and friends.
"She was my friend, not just my daughter and we will never forget her."
In May 2006, doctors discovered a 6cm tumour above Elaine's kidney - the first sign that she had cancer in her adrenal gland.
The condition is rare and spreads very quickly throughout the body.
After a gruelling six-hour operation to remove the tumour, Elaine made a full recovery and by Christmas there were hopes that everything was fine.
Alice said: "Her doctor always said she was like a cat with nine lives. She just battled everything she faced."
True to her organised, inquisitive nature, Elaine spent a lot of time researching her condition, keeping up to date with the latest developments in the fight against adrenal cancer. Her optimism for recovery 'kept her family going'.
But by February this year, Elaine was back in hospital undergoing surgery to remove her kidney and to begin a course of radiotherapy.
Her funeral is at Kirkcaldy Crematorium at 11.45 a.m. At the request of Elaine, mourners are to wear an item of pink to mark cancer awareness.
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