Sylvia Davies, whose insurance company refused to pay medical bills after she suffered a brain tumour while on a holiday in Canada, has died.

And this week her family, which still faces a £120,000 medical bill, paid tribute to Sylvia's courage and determination.

"She had so much to live for - that's why she fought so bravely and so long. But it was a very aggressive tumour," said husband John. "We will hold very precious memories of her life."

Sylvia ran Dark Street Antiques, Haverfordwest, for over 20 years.

She and John flew to Canada for a holiday in October but towards the end of their stay, Sylvia collapsed and had to have an emergency operation for a brain tumour.

But she was determined to fight the tumour. Only five days before they had flown to Canada, Sylvia and John's third grandchild Dylan was born. They saw him only briefly as he was in an incubator, and Sylvia wanted desperately to hold him.

But she suffered another setback with a bad allergic reaction to a drug. As medical expenses mounted, insurer Inter Group refused to cover the bill.

A group of Pembrokeshire friends immediately launched an appeal to raise the £10,000 needed to get Sylvia home for Christmas.

The couple arrived back in Pembrokeshire on December 16th and Sylvia was allowed out of Withybush Hospital to spend Christmas and New Year with her family.

The last months were spent by Sylvia in ward ten, Withybush Hospital, where she died on Thursday. Her family cannot speak too highly of the exceptional care, support and treatment given by staff.

But adding to their grief, the family still faces a final medical bill from Canada which could top £120,000.

"The insurance company has no heart to bleed and I am not very hopeful it will change its mind," said John. "My advice to anyone going on holiday is to read the small print in insurance policies very carefully."

Sylvia's antique shop is now up for sale and stock has already gone under the hammer at auction.

The Sylvia Davies appeal fund stands at £20,000 and John said: "We just want to say a big thank-you to relatives, friends and all the people of Pembrokeshire who have contributed, in particular the committee set up by Marilyn Young, Esme Utting and Alun Jones. They have been wonderful friends."