THE much-loved founder of a world-renowned cancer charity has been described as a remarkable woman following her recent death.

Pat Pilkington died at the age of 84 on August 19 following a short illness.

In 1980, Pat co-founded The Bristol Cancer Care Help Centre, which later became known as Penny Brohn Cancer Care and now has its headquarters in Pill.

Recognised throughout the UK as a centre of excellence, Penny Brohn Cancer Care offers supportive courses, therapies and activities at its Chapel Pill Lane headquarters to help people live well with the impact of cancer.

As a child, Pat was raised in London until the turmoil of the war took her family to Buckinghamshire.

Following her school life, she embarked on a career teaching drama which took Pat to Worcester.

It was there she fell in love with Canon Christopher Pilkington. They were married in 1954 and began a joint life of Christian ministry.

In 1968, Pat joined BBC Radio Bristol as a producer and made programmes on many topics, but increasingly became aware of individuals who had faced traumatic illness and had been helped by a holistic approach.

Together, she and Christopher created an open forum for discussion on the subject which lead to Pat meeting Penny Brohn, a young acupuncturist who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Their work that followed led to the pair founding their charity in 1980 and opening its dedicated centre in Clifton in 1983. The charity was later joined by The Prince of Wales in 1997 when he became a patron. Two years later, Penny Brohn died.

Pat’s constant and enduring service for those affected by cancer and their families was recognised in 2003 when she was awarded an MBE. In 2007, the charity was moved to its larger base in Pill.

Following her death, Pat leaves three children and five grandchildren.

A statement from her loved ones said: “Pat’s energy, spirit and vision have helped transform cancer care.

“She lived a life of open hearted generosity of love and care for all who met her – be it for an hour, a day, or a lifetime – teaching us how to live well through her example.

“Her grace in parting from this life and her firm belief that she will be reunited with Christopher completes the legacy of this remarkable woman.”

* Anyone wishing to make a donation to Penny Brohn Cancer Care in Pat’s memory can do so online at www.justgiving.com/PatPilkington