TOBI DIES

Cancer-stricken mum Tobi Mills has lost her fight for life.

The single mum, of Haldane Road, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, died peacefully last night at home. Her ten-year-old twins Ashton and Lauren were with her.

Tobi, 43, who developed secondary cancer of the liver following breast cancer, hit the headlines earlier this year after her children drafted an advertisement for a new mum.

Tobi had no close relatives in a position to look after them after her death and the move prompted worldwide interest.

Almost 300 offers of fostering were received by Oxfordshire Social Services and a new mum has now been found. Her identity has not been revealed although she is believed to be local. A statement released soon after Tobi's death said: "The family and friends of Tobi Mills wish to thank everyone who has given support in what has been the most difficult and trying of times.

"We know that Tobi would have liked to express her appreciation to members of the media, particularly Fiona Tarrant of the Oxford Mail and Jamie Pyatt of The Sun, for the sensitive and supportive roles they have both played throughout the coverage of her illness and related issues."

The statement called on the media to avoid intrusion at the time of the funeral "to give the children time and space to grieve".

It continued: "Tobi herself expressed this as one of her final wishes. Details of the time and location of the funeral and commemorative services will be announced shortly.

"Tobi requested that flowers should come from her 'A-Team' only and that well-wishers be invited to make a donation towards the Tobi Mills Appeal Fund in place of flowers - not forgetting all previous donations which touched the hearts of us all.

"Tobi's wish was for the fund to be divided into two trust funds, the beneficiaries of which are her children Ashton and Lauren and the community."

*Farewell to Tobi: See features

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