A Lancaster University student who captured the hearts of the world with her wish to spend her final days at home in Peru has died, aged 21.
Alexandra Angeles Caycho passed away on Saturday at her home in South America, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.
Her final wish to get home to Peru saw thousands of people from all over the world donate to an online page, raising more than £165,000.
Her boyfriend Dylan Harris posted on the page to say:
"Struggling to put it into words, Alex passed away at 12.30am local time on the 14th September with loved ones by her side.
"Alex's family and close friends ask for privacy at this moment in time."
Alex, pictured below with Dylan, recently graduated from Lancaster University with a First Honours degree in Fine Art and Design.
In August, her friend Katie Cherry set up a GoFundme page, hoping to raise enough money so Alex could spend her precious final days where she grew up.
More than £150,000 was needed, to pay for an air ambulance staffed with highly trained medical personnel to provide immediate care and monitor Alexandra's condition throughout the flight.
The outpouring of support of people who had been touched by Alex's courage, was swift and the money was raised in just six days.
To date, more than 7,400 donations have been received.
In early September, Alex flew home.
Dylan, posting on September 7, said: "Just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone for the amazing support that helped get Alex back to Peru. Your generous donations made this possible, and we’re incredibly grateful.
"I've been pretty busy since we arrived in Peru, so I haven't had a chance to update you all until now. Alex and I really appreciate everything you’ve done. Alex is now spending some precious time with her family, and it means a lot to all of us.
"Thanks again for all your hard work and support. We couldn’t have done it without you!"
Alex was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer on March 17 2023, aged just 20.
"My future was bright, and I was so excited to start my journey as an artist," she posted on the fundraising page.
"But on March 17th, 2023, everything changed. At just 20 years old, I received the devastating news that I had been diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer.
"The doctors were shocked; they told me it was almost impossible for someone my age to have this disease.
"Yet, here I am, facing a battle that no one should ever have to fight."
Many online tributes have been paid to Alex.
One on the Totally Local Lancaster Facebook page said: "So glad she got home to spend time with her family and friends. Thinking of you all. Rip Alex. Such a beautiful young lady gone to soon."
And another said: "She passed away surrounded by her loved ones thanks to the kindness of a city. Thoughts are with Alex’s family, she had so much of life left ahead of her."
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