TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known hospice fundraiser after her death aged 60, with a memorial fundraising page being set up in her honour .

Michelle King has been a stalwart supporter of Bury Hospice for the past 11 years.

Hospice officials have confirmed that the mother-of-two died unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm.

Michelle was known among community groups and businesses across the town as part of her fundraising work.

She leaves her partner Bill and two grown-up children, Lauren and Alex.

The hospice has now set up a JustGiving page, "in response to our community requesting a place to donate funds in memory of Michelle."

The page has already raised nearly £1,000 at the time of publishing and has seen donors leave loving comments about Michelle.

On the fundraising page, which can be found by searching for 'Michelle King Memorial Page' on JustGiving, the description reads: "Michelle would love to know that her passion for fundraising was continuing through this page. Your messages have been bringing comfort to Michelle's family and friends, and to her extended family at Bury Hospice.

"We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us continue her fundraising mission."

One supporter wrote "Her vivaciousness and warmth shone bright whenever I had the pleasure of being in her company."

Another said: "Michelle was a talented and passionate fundraiser for the hospice who is irreplaceable."

Her friends at the hospice say that she was passionate about making a difference and knew first-hand from her own experiences how important patient care and supporting families is, and she made it her mission to do everything she could to raise money for the hospice.

Rachel Wallace, the hospice’s head of fundraising, communications and marketing, said: “It is with the deepest sadness we share the news of losing our treasured colleague, Michelle King, who died unexpectedly yesterday.

“Michelle joined Bury Hospice as a fundraiser 11 years ago, and her passion and love for the hospice shone through everything she did.

“She continually went the extra mile – she quite simply wanted everyone to know about Bury Hospice and she created fundraising campaigns that brought our community together.

“She had an Aladdin’s Cave of fundraising ideas and people just loved her, so couldn’t refuse her appeals for help, no matter how wacky. Michelle oozed kindness and compassion, she fundraised from the heart. Her passion was magnetic.

“She brought literally hundreds of supporters in over the years because of who she was. Our love goes to her family and friends as they come to terms with Michelle no longer being around.”

“I’d encourage anyone who needs support to get in touch with Chris Green, our bereavement counsellor on 07743114966 or e-mail chrisgreen@buryhospice.org.uk. Rest in Peace Michelle, you were a shining light for Bury Hospice.”

The fundraising page is www.justgiving.com/campaign/michellekingtribute