Staff at the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury have been deeply saddened by the death of a much-loved supporter who raised thousands for the charity.

Jacqi Woolf, 51, dedicated her life to the hospice after it cared for her dying brother, Rikki.

Now, in a cruel twist of fate, she too has succumbed to cancer and was nursed there in her final days until her death on September 11.

Jacqi, of Underdown Road, Herne Bay, who worked as a delivery driver, was a prolific sportswoman who took on numerous cycling, running and swimming challenges, including a Channel relay swim, many in aid of the hospice.

Speaking in 2015 about her inspiration to support the charity, she poignantly said: "In a way none of us want to think about the prospect of having to go there through an illness, but it is such a comfort to know that it is there if we ever need it."

Hospice chief executive Cate Russell said Jacqi will be remembered for her "warm and generous nature".

"It was always refreshing and uplifting to be in her company," she said.

"As a dedicated supporter and champion for our charity she would speak quietly and compassionately about the care her brother Rikki had received at Pilgrims Hospices and how it had inspired her to take on challenges and raise funds and awareness for care.

"As an amazing fundraiser, she applied herself to a number of challenges through the years and still found time in her busy life to volunteer her services to the hospices."

Throughout the years Jacqi took part in many fundraising events, including the Pilgrims Cycle Challenge, Divas on Wheels, Santa’s on the Run, and the London to Paris Cycle Challenge.

"Not only was she an integral part of Pilgrims fundraising support, she was a much-loved and valued member of the hospice volunteer team," Mrs Russell added.

"Jacqi was possibly best known for her antics dressed as Raffles, the Pilgrims mascot bear, appearing at a wide variety of venues to promote events and encourage supporters.

"She could brilliantly take on the character and be the perfect entertainer just by slipping into the furry costume.

"Her dedication and energy were inspirational to everyone she met here at Pilgrims Hospices.

"We send our heartfelt thoughts and best wishes to Jacqi’s family at such a difficult time."

Jacqi’s funeral will be held at Barham Crematorium in Canterbury Road, Canterbury, at 12.40pm on Tuesday, October 8.

Read more: All the latest news from Herne Bay

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury