CHRISTMAS will never be the same for one grief-stricken Huddersfield family.

The tragic loss of 24-year-old Kayleigh Sylvester in a road accident in March this year broke the heart of her mother,Tracey Livingstone.

But, even before Kayleigh’s funeral was over, her grieving 44-year-old mum was dealt a second blow.

Tracey, who has three other children, was diagnosed with cervical cancer after undergoing a routine smear test the week before her daughter was killed in the accident on Leeds Road.

While most parents would have been grieving, Tracey spent a gruelling six weeks undergoing a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy at St James’ Hospital, Leeds.

She suffered horrendous side-effects causing her to be admitted to hospital at on point.

She said: “After losing my daughter, the cancer was just something I had to deal with.

“It wasn’t as much of a shock as losing her. I just got on with it. I was like a robot really.

“I spoke to a lot of people at the hospital who made me realise I had to be positive about my treatment otherwise it would kill me.

“Kayleigh was gone but I just had to get on with it, especially for my other children because they have had a hard time too.”

Now, with her treatment over, she is trying to look forward to 2012.

Her sister Liona Williams nominated Tracey for a Christmas Wish to help give her something extra special to smile about.

The pair were picked to enjoy a spa day at the award-winning Eastthorpe Hall, Mirfield, in the new year as part of a festive treat, organised by the Examiner and Pendragon Round Table.

Liona, of Brackenhall, said: “She has gone through so much heartache, from struggling to cope with losing her daughter to battling an illness.

“I really would love for her to try to rest and relax and take her mind off things. This year has really not been a good year for her.”

With her cancer treatment over, Tracey can now focus on the grief she has had to bottle up.

Kayleigh died in hospital after being struck by a car as she crossed Leeds Road – near the Yorkshire Rose pub – on March 18.

She had Asperger’s Syndrome and was a client of Active Social Care, Newsome, where she also had a part-time kitchen job.

Tracey added: “She was outgoing and very fiery. If she didn’t like you, you knew about it. But she loved kids and especially liked Christmas.

“If she had been here, she would have been out shopping and trying to buy everyone in the world Christmas presents.

“The house will be so quiet without Kayleigh this year. It is so hard.”

The trial of the driver accused of killing Kayleigh through careless driving is due to begin at Bradford Crown Court on January 16, 2012.