Avril had a massive tumour in her lung when she died in ward 32 of Ninewells Hospital in the early hours of Sunday.

Speaking from the family home in Invergowrie today, her mum Margaret, who is a nurse at Ninewells, spoke of her daughter’s five-year fight with cancer and her determination to live life as full as possible with her little boy.

Margaret said it was Professor Elaine Rankin who suggested that Robbie’s eighth birthday party should be brought forward because she knew Avril might die before that.

She said that former footballer Bob Wilson had a charity called the Willow Foundation, set up after his young adult daughter died prematurely. That charity organised the special birthday party for Robbie, a pupil at Ancrum Road Primary, in the chemotherapy day room at Ninewells.

“There has never been anything like it before,” said Margaret, adding that a magician and a buffet for 50 friends and family was laid on by the foundation.

Avril was 21 when a rare type of cancer was diagnosed in her knee, necessitating major surgery that removed part of her leg. She had a prosthesis fitted and had to learn to walk again following the surgery in Newcastle.

The young mother, who was brought up in Muirhead and went to primary school there before attending Newtyle Secondary School and then Harris Academy in Dundee, was well known in the city where she worked as a hairdresser in a number of salons.

After surgery on her knee and several months of aggressive chemotherapy, she went back to work as a hairdresser, despite the difficulties of standing all day on her legs.

She kept very well for about three years, but last summer again suffered pain and was told the cancer had returned and was affecting her lung.

Margaret said her daughter had another course of aggressive chemotherapy, but they knew last Christmas was the last festive season they would spend together as a family.

“Professor Rankin was hopeful, but we knew the seriousness of what was happening,” said Margaret.

“Second time around is never good. We were never given any illusion there would be a cure.”

Last month she was admitted to Ninewells and, at that time, Margaret said the family was advised it was likely she would not be home again.

It was then Prof Rankin suggested bringing forward Robbie’s birthday party.

A particular highlight of that, and a surprise for Robbie, was being visited by Dundee United player Lee Mair and United fitness coach Peter Davidson.

Margaret said that “miraculously” Avril did get home and even just the day before she died was out on the town enjoying a spending spree.

While the family knew she was very ill, the end came suddenly and was unexpected. Avril had enjoyed a carryout meal from a favourite Dundee restaurant, but became distressed during the night and was admitted to Ninewells where she died the next morning with her family around her.

Margaret today paid tribute to the excellent care Avril received in Ninewells and from the district nurses who attended her at home and even made special arrangements for her painkilling injections to be administered when she made a last trip to the family caravan at Dunkeld.