TRIBUTES have been paid to an inspirational army captain and much-loved young mum who has died aged just 44 after a long battle with breast cancer.
Captain Samantha Evans (nee Gassor) died earlier this month at Cheltenham General Hospital, five years after being diagnosed with the condition.
Known as Sammie or Sam to many she has been described by her family and friends as ‘beautiful’, ‘courageous’ and ‘loving’.
Samantha, who was from Cam, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 after finding a lump in her left breast.
A former Rednock School student, she served in the British Army for 24 years, travelling the world with tours in Northern Ireland, Germany, Gibraltar, and twice in Iraq, eventually rising to the rank of Captain.
Before falling ill, she was due to retire and settle back home in Cam with husband Richard and her eight-year-old daughter Charlotte and was looking forward to the next chapter in her life.
Samantha’s mum Fiona paid a touching tribute to her daughter.
“Sammie will be remembered by everyone as the person that would always greet them with a smile on her face," she said.
“Despite her own battle with cancer she would make time for other women going through the same thing, providing them with support wherever she could.
“Sam was a very positive lady and would not let cancer define her. She lived her life to the fullest."
As a teenager Samantha joined the RAF Air Cadets in Dursley and eventually earned her gliders licence, which led to her single engine aircraft pilot's licence.
During her time in the Army, she competed in multiple sporting events including orienteering, horse riding and biathlons.
Her beloved dog Fern was always by her side while she was in Gibraltar and on her postings in the UK.
When she returned to the UK, she was involved in the 2012 Olympics, where she met many of her sporting heroes, "something she never forgot," according to her mum, Fiona.
Samantha was also a guest representing the Army at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee ceremony in the same year at St Paul's Cathedral.
After her diagnosis in 2016, Samantha raised almost £800 for cancer charity Maggie's by cutting her hair before her chemotherapy started and was helped by her daughter Charlotte - who was two at the time.
READ MORE: Mum from Cam has hair shaved for charity after being diagnosed with breast cancer
In her later years, she spent her time horse riding, gardening, and driving her campervan across the country, making new memories with her friends and family.
Samantha was in remission for several years, but sadly the cancer returned and spread further.
She died on Thursday, February, 9 at Cheltenham General Hospital with her loving husband Richard at her bedside.
Best friend Sam Griffiths said: “She was courageous, loving, always full of energy and looking for the next adventure.
“Sam was a wonderful role model for her daughter and never failed to make people look for the bright side.
“I will forever remember her words if I’m in doubt - ‘Yes you can!’
“Rest in peace my bestie.”
Friends Jill and Graham Cole said: “Sam had a big smile and a huge heart; she was always full of offers to help no matter how busy.
“Her strength of character was amazing.
“Her ability to keep on fighting for the things that mattered which she demonstrated from within her job to her daily battle with her health.
"She continued to fight despite the great personal physical and emotional cost.”
Samantha’s funeral will take place on Wednesday, March 8 at St George's Church, Cam at 11am.
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