A DEVOTED mum, whose plea for the screening age for cervical cancer to be lowered featured on this week’s Star front page, lost her fight for life last night aged just 23.

Courageous Kirsty Winstanley, from Rainford, asked that her dying wish to see women screened for the disease from the age of 20 be granted by the Government.

Her family read out the heartbreaking story to her in the hours before she passed away.

The former Rainhill High pupil was diagnosed with the disease in October, but extensive medical treatment proved unsuccessful.

Close friend and sister-in law Natalie Winstanley posted a message on the Star’s website, which read: “I’d just like to thank the Star for their lovely article they did on my gorgeous sister-in-law Kirsty and also all the people who have left kind messages thank you all very much.

“I’d also like to inform everyone that Kirsty peacefully passed away last night and is now at peace, thank you all for you kindness, love Natalie xx.”

Kirsty’s loving husband of three years David will now become the sole carer for their four-year-old son Aiden, who suffers from PKU disorder, a condition, which means his body cannot break down protein and can cause problems with brain development.

Her nephew Benjamin Atherton contacted the Star with his own touching tribute: “I will always remember Kirsty as the happy, lovely, kind person that she is. She is very special to me because she is my auntie.

“I have always loved her and I will forever and ever. I feel very sad for Aiden her little boy, whenever I see him I play with him, he makes me laugh! Kirsty is very special to all of us and she will always be a part of my heart.

“My family has been spending lots of time with Kirsty for the last few months, she has been amazing. It will be tough for us all, but most of all my heart hurts for Aiden. We all love you so much Kirsty XXX !!!”

David (27) said the family are determined to petition the Government to reduce the screening age in England from 25 to 20, as it is in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, claiming it would save lives.

If such a procedure had been in place, David says his wife may have survived.

Kirsty’s tragedy echoes that of reality star Jade Goody, who died in March after her own fight against cervical cancer.

A high profile campaign was launched after her death that callied for the screening age to be lowered. However, in June a panel of medical experts decided not to call for a reduction in the age claiming it would cause more problems.

Post your tributes to Kirsty below.