A woman who helped provide comfort and support to breast cancer sufferers in Thanet has died.

Linda Stagg, of Quex View Road in Birchington, died of heart problems earlier this month.

In the early 1990s Mrs Stagg was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing surgery and treatment.

After discovering that there was no local support group for sufferers of the disease, she decided to organise one herself.

The group, called Thanet Bosom Pals, began with just a handful of ladies and has grown steadily ever since.

Group member Lin Lilliott said: “Over the years many ladies have been helped and lasting friendships forged.

“As a group there has been much laughter, plus a few tears, but above all, everyone is there for each other.

“Linda was an inspiration to us all and will be greatly missed.”

Mrs Stagg is survived by husband Martin, son Warren and grandchildren Jamie and Amber.

She was born in Maidenhead in 1949 and met Martin in 1969 while working as a chambermaid in Cliftonville for the summer season.

She moved to Margate in 1976 and then Manston, before settling in Birchington.

She opened Linda’s Corner Shop in Milton Square in 1982, running it until 1987.

Mrs Stagg’s funeral takes place at St John’s Church, Margate at 11.15am on Thursday, August 31.

It will be followed by a celebration of her life at Thanet Crematorium at 12.15pm.

Bosom Pals meetings take place on the first Thursday of every month at Queens Road Baptist Church in Broadstairs at 7.30pm.