TRIBUTES have been paid to a devoted mum and pillar of the community after she died after contracting coronavirus.

Linda Tuppen, the vice chairman of Astley Bridge Neighbourhood Watch, leaves her two sons Robert and James.

The 66-year-old worked tirelessly in the local community as part of the neighbourhood watch. She had also been a much loved teacher at Cherished Children Private Day Nursery and previously a nursery nurse at Oldhams Primary School.

Tom Atkinson, the chairman of Astley Bridge Neighbourhood Watch, has launched a fundraiser for Linda’s family.

He said: “She was the vice chair of the neighbourhood watch and for over a year she’s been working hard, attending schools and giving talks on things like stranger danger and firework safety. She’s helped organise meetings.

“When I found out she passed away I knew I had to set up the fundraiser, I thought I would help her family like Linda has helped us.

“Their father passed away quite a number of years ago now so it is just the boys now.

“She started helping us just over a year ago, from when we first started. She was one of the first members of the watch.

“She was so dedicated, she gave up so much of time to attend meetings and give talks, she went around the local area to give people neighbourhood watch stickers.

“Linda was a really lovely person, she’s going to be missed a lot.

“I set up the fundraiser to help the boys, as they both lived with Linda, I wanted to help them out.

“She helped the community, so I’m trying to get the community to help her. We’ve already raised over £200 in a couple of days and we’re trying to raise £1000.

“The neighbourhood watch will still carry on, but we can’t replace her.

“She would’ve helped anyone out in need, so I thought I would help her family out in their time of need.

“She gave so much time and effort into making her community a better place for everyone.”

The neighbourhood watch team is a tight-knit group and Linda will be sorely missed.

Lorna Ginty, the treasurer and a good friend of Linda, said: “It’s devastating, I’ve known Linda a long time. Linda was thoughtful and kind and she was absolutely devoted to her boys.”

The money raised from the fundraiser will go to Linda’s family.

Donate by visiting the Go Fund Me page 'Carry on supporting our amazing Linda'.