KIND-hearted members of staff are raising funds in memory of a mum who tragically died last year.

Brave Claire Macfarlane, of Haddington, passed away last August after an eight-year battle with cancer.

The young mum, who worked at Fletcher’s Cottage Spa at Archerfield, had given birth to daughter Sophie in May 2015 before passing away in August 2016.

Now, staff at her work are doing their bit by selling a candle which celebrates her life.

Michelle Denham, manager at the spa, said 15 per cent of the sales would be donated to St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh, where Claire passed away.

Michelle, who worked alongside Claire for five years, felt it was important to do something to help.

She said: “Claire was absolutely wonderful and the most polite, kind and caring person all of us have ever met. She was so kind and would do anything to help others.

“She had an aura of loveliness.”

Twenty-seven-year-old Claire was first diagnosed with the disease shortly after her 18th birthday as she was studying beauty therapy at Edinburgh’s Telford College.

She underwent surgery and treatment and returned to her studies before going on to work at Pure Spa in Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal and then Fletcher’s Cottage at Archerfield, by Dirleton.

Michelle told the Courier they wanted to do something to help the Capital’s hospice and approached Claire’s mum and dad Susan and John.

Claire’s parents were very much involved in the creation of the candle – Susan came back with the scent of Moroccan rose, with the candles now on sale at the spa with the slogan ‘celebration of life’.

The candles, which have a burn time of up to 50 hours, come in a box with the message: “Claire, brave and beautiful, mother, daughter, colleague and friend. Our shining star who is greatly missed. Enjoy this beautiful scent to represent a sweet soul.”

John and Susan thanked the spa for getting in touch and offering to do something to remember their daughter.

They said: “We were deeply touched when Michelle approached us earlier this year asking if they could do something in Claire’s memory.

“A specially made candle containing ‘essential oils’ was chosen.

“Claire herself would have been delighted with this beautiful candle – it is just perfect – it’s just perfect.”