A MOTHER-OF-TWO from York has died in Spain after losing a six-month battle against cancer.

Sky Ferrey, a former PA to the editor of The Press, lived in Bilbrough and then Bishopthorpe before retiring to Malaga several years ago. She was diagnosed with cancer in May.

Her daughter, Charlotte, said Sky fought the illness with dignity and determination.

“After undergoing aggressive chemotherapy for months, she underwent successful surgery to remove a tumour from her lung, but then suffered unexpected and severe post-op complications in the form of acute respiratory distress, and was in intensive care for over a month,” she said.

Pneumonia sadly took hold and Sky died last Friday, aged 65.

Her funeral took place yesterday at a typical Spanish-style cortijo (farmhouse) in Marbella overlooking the sea, with a very upbeat service and everyone wearing colourful clothing to represent her vibrancy and personality.

At the funeral, Charlotte paid tribute to her mother, saying. “Mum, you are my joy, my inspiration, the love of my life. My everything!

“I’m the luckiest person in the world to have had the most loving, caring and supportive mum.

“So much more than just my Mum, you are my best friend, my soul mate, my guiding star and shining light. That will never change ever.

“You’re beautiful inside and out, so hilariously funny, passionate about everything and truly magical to be around. You are a total superstar in every way, shape and form.”

Charlotte said Sky’s parents were Latvian and had escaped Latvia during the war on a boat, ending up in Leeds.

After growing up in Leeds, Sky worked for Abbey National and Yorkshire Television, and then for tour operators in Spain and Italy, before marrying Andrew Ferrey and moving to York, where she had two children, Charlotte and Benjamin.

“Her life was dedicated to her children and this was her biggest achievement in life, according to her,” said Charlotte.

“Her priority was giving her family the best things in life, love and attention and happiness.”

After getting divorced in her late 40s, Sky returned to work, becoming PA to the editor at The Press. Charlotte said: “She loved her job and the team of people she worked with. She had so many happy times and fun memories.”

Francine Clee, deputy editor of The Press, who worked alongside Sky, said: “It’s testament to Sky’s character that everyone here is so shocked and saddened by her death. She will be remembered not just as a brilliant PA, but as a warm, kind and funny friend to all her colleagues.”