THE family of the late Ainslie Mitchell have expressed their gratitude to all the community for all their support in their attempts to try and raise £20,000.

Ainslie passed away peacefully before Christmas after a brave battle with incurable cancer.

The 19-year-old’s family are heartbroken, but they are also proud of the legacy the inspirational teen has left behind.

Ainslie’s mum Leanne said: “We would really like to thank everybody for all the fundraising.

“All the money will help all the departments at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Care, CLIC Sargent and the Teenage Cancer Trust.”

Ainslie, from Stevenston, was diagnosed with incurable cancer early last year, but was given a ray of hope with the news of a potentially life-saving treatment in Cuba. The teen and her family set out to raise the £20,000 needed for the treatment in a fundraising journey which saw friends, relatives, members of the community, and local businesses organise events and lend their support.

But sadly, in November, the Herald reported the devastating news that Ainslie’s health had deteriorated and that she was unable to fly abroad for her treatment. All the money raised for the Ainslie Mitchell Fund would instead go to the Beatson and towards helping the teen complete a bucket list.

As part of Ainslie’s list, her family decorated her bedroom and got her a new puppy.

Leanne said: “She got to tick off the things she’d wanted to do on her list, even if she knew how poorly she was.

“The night before she died, she came home. She must have put all the energy into spending her final night at home. That’s what she wanted – a night in her own bed and to see her wee puppy.

“It was so peaceful, almost as if she thought: ‘I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do, I can go now.’

“At least at the end she wasn’t frightened or scared.

“We’re really happy that my wee girl touched so many people and how brave she was right until the end.”