A great-grandmother who lived a life dedicated to helping others in Herne Bay has died aged 85.

Helen Simpson, who had six children, was involved with a number of associations and clubs in the town.

She died at Kent and Canterbury Hospital on Monday after suffering a stroke.

Her son Paul said: “It was a life dedicated to other people – to her family and her wider network.

“She was someone who was always concerned for others. She had a very strong sense of family.

“Because she had six kids there was always a need to be at home, but she also had this very strong social commitment – it was part of her upbringing.”

Mrs Simpson moved to Herne Bay in 1962 with her husband Bryan, who she married in 1953.

“Because she had six kids there was always a need to be at home, but she also had this very strong social commitment – it was part of her upbringing..." - Paul Simpson

She was involved with the 4th Herne Bay Christ Church brownie unit and the Townswomen’s Guild.

She also sat on the PTA at Herne Bay Junior School.

She set up the Headway head injury support charity in Canterbury after her son Hugh was injured in a car crash in 1982.

He died a few years later after he was involved in another accident.

Paul, 60, added: “She is known by many, many people in the town.

“She was a maker – she stitched, knitted and sewed as she was part of that generation that didn’t waste anything.

“She did all these things voluntarily and led a full and active life with plenty of social commitmentGrs.”

Mrs Simpson suffered a stroke in 2003 and moved from Gosfield Road to Oakland Court.

She died peacefully on Monday surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her five children, 13 grandchildren and six great, great-grandchildren.

Her funeral will be held on Thursday, March 3, at Thanet Crematorium in Margate.

It will start at 4pm with donations to the Headway head injury support charity and the RNLI.

Mrs Simpson asked for “dignified but colourful” clothes to be worn. All are welcome.