Tributes to Lorna, 58, an "incredible inspiration" (From Salisbury Journal)

Tributes to Lorna, 58, an "incredible inspiration"

11:14am Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in Headlines By Jill Harding

A WOMAN who was an “incredible inspiration to others” and fundraised tirelessly despite her 10-year battle against cancer has died at the age of 58.

Lorna Roberts, from Salisbury, died on September 24, just three months after she married Gary on June 22, aware that she was terminally ill.

Despite her own illness, Mrs Roberts spent her time raising funds and awareness, and in July she hosted an open day and sale at her home where she raised £1,000 for Salisbury Hospice and Salisbury District Hospital’s new mobile chemotherapy unit.

Although she had been in hospital the day before with a severe infection, Mrs Roberts made it home to host the event, which was attended by more than 100 family and friends.

Mrs Roberts was a passionate supporter of the charity Hope for Tomorrow, which helped to fund the mobile chemotherapy unit, as she believed less travelling to appointments would help to alleviate the stress suffered by cancer patients undergoing treatment.

She also offered support and friendship to other cancer patients and raised awareness of charities that could help them.

Born in Singapore, Mrs Roberts grew up in Redlynch with her mother Pearl and younger sisters Caroline and Julie.

She attended Morgan’s Vale and Woodfalls and Downton School before going to South Wilts School.

Mrs Roberts had two daughters Lianna and Briony and worked in and around Salisbury all her life.

She was diagnosed with cancer in 2003 and was treated at the hospital’s Pembroke Ward.

But the disease returned and she was latterly admitted to Salisbury Hospice.

“She was extremely creative, and her love of baking, which kept her active, was known by many people and will be dearly missed by all,” said her daughters.

“Her work to raise money for Salisbury Hospice and the mobile chemotherapy unit helped raise awareness and contribute more than £1,000 in the last few months.

“She was brave, friendly, cheerful and generous at all times, despite the challenging illness she lived with. She will always be an incredible inspiration to family, friends and so many people's lives and will be loved always.”