TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of a woman 'who touched many people’s lives with her passion in the fight against breast cancer', Christine Piper.

The 68 year old, from Burnham, died at 1.55pm on Wednesday January 6 at Burnham Lodge nursing home, following a battle with the disease and the long-term effects of earlier treatments.

Christine founded the charity, Somerset Breast Cancer Now, which works closely with the Bridgwater area, back in 1997 with her husband John.

Her daughter Holly described her as an 'amazing lady,' and said she will be sadly missed.

"Christine was a wife to John for 45 years," she said.

"A mother to Neal, Colin, Alexander, Holly and Tim, a grandmother to Laura, Megan, Ashlea, Alex, Rosie, Chloe, Oscar and Ava and a great grandmother to Elodie.

"She will be sadly missed by family and friends- the lady who touched many people’s lives with her passion and dedication in the fight against breast cancer.

"Christine saw much advancement in the detection and treatment of breast cancer since she was first diagnosed in 1988, but unfortunately it was the long-term effects of earlier treatments for the disease which ultimately contributed to her failing health.

"Many of these life-saving improvements have come from the research laboratories and hospitals of Breast Cancer Now, formerly Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Campaign charities, and Christine was very proud to have raised over £400,000 since she first founded the Somerset group back in 1997 with her husband John."

During her fundraising, Christine was honoured with awards and organised many events for the charity.

"Christine’s work was also recognised with several awards including the Bristol Evening Post's Woman of courage 2002 and winner of BBC Inspiration Award 2008," added Holly.

"She was also involved in an all party parliamentary committee on breast cancer.

"Despite further diagnosis and treatment in 2001, Christine continued to lead the group, raising money and awareness for Breakthrough with a whole string of events.

"These included a tug of war with presenters of ITV Twist on the Beach in 2002 recognised by the Guinness Book of Records, a visit to Burnham from the Rugby World Cup relay message ball in 1999, pulling Humphrey the Camel around the streets of Bath, launching Julie's Legacy in 2011 and a world record attempt for the largest rugby scrum.

"She also arranged Christmas shopping fairs, summer fetes and annual gala balls, pink balloon walks, fashion shows, wicked women evenings and ladies nights, golf events, skydives, quiz and race nights.

"It feels impossible to list all the events which my mum organised and inspired.

"Even after almost two decades of fundraising, she continued to be thrilled by every type of support given to the group, whether it was news of a fresh collection tin being placed on a local shop counter or a pair of 4K TVs being donated for our ball’s auction last year."

In 2009, on behalf of the Somerset women Campaign, Christine presented cheques totalling £80,000 to four Somerset clinics, including the Breast Care Centre at Weston General Hospital and Musgrove Park Hospital.

"The staff at Burnham Lodge were brilliant with mum and always made extra time for her and our family.

"It's a sad time but we will carry on the legacy left behind by Christine."

Christine’s funeral is to be held on Monday January 25 at St Marys Church in Berrow, followed by a Celebration of Christine's life at The BASC in Burnham.

All who knew Christine and family are welcome to attend in smart colourful dress.

It will be only family flowers, but the Pipers appreciate any donations to be made to Breast Cancer Now at http://tribute.breastcancernow.org/Christine-ec-piper