TRIBUTES have been paid to a Portishead mum who has died after a 23-year battle with cancer.

Jo Beck, remembered by many as a fun loving, upbeat character, died peacefully, with her daughter at her side, on March 17 at St Peter’s Hospice in Brentry, aged 54.

Her daughter Maxine said: “My mum fought a hard fight for as long as I can remember and I know how lucky I was to have her with me at so many milestones in my life. She was an amazing lady and made friends wherever she went in the world. From South Africa to Bali, my mum touched many people’s hearts.”

Jo was born in Portishead and grew up in Brendon Road. She held a number of different jobs but was never happier than when working as a school dinner lady, where she could keep an eye on her daughter who was at the school.

After battling cancer for the first time, Jo took it upon herself to help raise money for Cancer Research at every opportunity.

Maxine added: “I have seen old newspaper cuttings from a German newspaper which shows my mum, mid chemo, running to raise money for cancer charities, but one of my favourite things she told me about was a Chilli Plant Grow Off she organised at the Royal Oak, which raised over £400 for Cancer Research. I think part of the competition was to eat the chillies afterwards.”

Jo’s funeral will take place on Friday, her birthday, at St Peter’s Church in Church Road North, Portishead, at 3pm. Family and close friends will then attend Canford Crematorium. There will then be a toast to Jo’s life and her birthday at The Poacher pub in High Street from 4pm.

Bright clothes are requested for the funeral. Flowers are welcome but donations to St Peter’s Hospice c/o F H Halliday and Son in Portishead High Street would be preferred.