TRIBUTES have been paid to a woman who helped raise thousands of pounds for the charity which supported her and her family .

Pat Long, who lived in Norton, passed away on May 16, aged 72, following a long battle with cancer.

She had her voice box removed after being diagnosed with cancer of the gullet in 2007, and had been told earlier this year that there was a new tumour and that this time it was not curable.

With her husband, Rod, she had organised a number of charity nights, concerts and other fundraisers, including an art exhibition of her own work in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support,

The latest event was variety show held at Norton College, organised by three generations of her family.

Rod said they had both wanted to do something for the charity which had supported them both.

"It gave us a focus and Pat said it was important to give back to the charity which had not only helped her but the rest of the family as well," he added.

"Pat was very close to all her two daughters and six grandchildren and was always very family orientated."

Sally Millington, fundraising manager for MacMillan Cancer Support, said Pat has been one of the first supporters she had met whenshe began her role.

"Pat was a real inspiration. She was always happy to talk about what she had been through, and to share her experiences which will have helped so many people," she added.

"She was a true Macmillan ambassador, and an exceptional fundraiser.

"Pat always had a smile on her face, and was happy to help with many things I asked, and would often rope the whole family in.

"I feel so privileged to have known Pat, I am glad that we were able to help her. She will be greatly missed by myself and all at Macmillan."