'Beloved' mum Shelly Dean dies suddenly on Turkey holiday as family fights to bring her home

'Beloved' mum Shelly Dean dies suddenly on Turkey holiday as family fights to bring her home Shelly Dean, 58, from Leeds, died suddenly in her sleep while on holiday in Turkey with her family A devastated family has launched an appeal to repatriate a British mum after she passed away unexpectedly while on holiday in Turkey. Shelly Dean, 58, died peacefully in her sleep while abroad with her son Stuart, daughters Tasha and Kirsty, and their families. Her sudden death on Saturday, August 1, left her loved ones in a state of shock and facing the financial burden of bringing her back to the UK. Shelly, who was from Belle Isle in Leeds, had spent more than 20 years fighting cancer while continuing to raise and support her family throughout. No cause of death has been revealed and her relatives have not suggested that her cancer was linked to her sudden passing. A GoFundMe entitled Help Bring Shelly Dean Home has already raised more than £3,300 towards its £5,000 target, as reported by NeedToKnow. The funds will go towards covering medical expenses in Turkey, repatriation costs and a funeral surrounded by those who loved her most. In the appeal, organiser Glen Dean wrote: "It is with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beloved Shelly Dean has passed away suddenly and unexpectedly whilst on holiday in Turkey. This heartbreaking loss has left our entire family in shock." Shelly was described as an "incredibly strong, loving and selfless woman" who faced her lengthy illness with courage and determination. Her family said she never let cancer define her and always put her loved ones before herself. The fundraiser added: "For over 20 years, she bravely battled cancer, facing every challenge with courage and determination whilst continuing to raise and support her family." Shelly had endured further heartbreak two years prior when her husband, Stephen Dean, passed away. Despite her grief, relatives said she remained a devoted mother, grandmother and friend. She leaves behind her five children, Stuart, Jamie, Tasha, Tommy and Kirsty, as well as her grandchildren, who her family said "meant the world to her". Her sister Denise Peel remembered Shelly as the "best big sister" who was funny, caring and loving. Denise said Shelly became a mother at 16 and described each of her children as a credit to her. She said: "I'm truly honoured to have been your sister. I'll never ever forget you and I'll treasure our memories forever. Shine bright like a diamond." Shelly's son Jamie Naylor thanked those who had supported the appeal. He wrote: "Didn't know angels lived on earth too. Thank you all so much for your kindness. "Get her home and give her the greatest send-off. Forever 58. RIP mum." The family said every donation would help them manage the "unexpected and overwhelming" costs of bringing Shelly back to Britain. They added: "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity and support. It means more to our family than words can express. "Rest in peace, Shelly. You will be loved and missed forever."