FORMER Shavington parish councillor and much respected community and charity worker Linda Ankers, aged 59, died at Leighton Hospital on Sunday, December 17, following a fall at her Shavington home the previous day.

She was a devoted wife whose husband Eddie gave her full support in all her endeavours and a loving mother to her children Tracey, Caroline and Jason, who was always there no matter what.

Mrs Ankers was also warm, considerate grandmother to Danielle, Chloe, Ryan, Tremayne and Quinlan and always loved to babysit.

She was married for more than 40 years and emigrated to Canada where Jason was born. On their return the family settled in Shavington where she joined various organisations.

Never asking for praise, she did a great deal for them including the Festival Committee where she looked after the children's chorus or sold raffle tickets at the front of the house and when helping the Shavington Players she would be in the kitchen making the tea, serving biscuits and washing up.

In its early days she also supported the Youth Club, allowing members to decorate a float in her garden.

When the Village Hall was open, as a parish councillor she and Eddie took up the challenge to be voluntary caretakers ensuring its success. It was during this time that Mrs Ankers set up the drop-in centre where residents could come in for a cup of tea and a chat.

She always supported her husband as a councillor and spent endless hours posting leaflets. The crowning glory was when he was elected in May for the Waldron Ward on Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council and she was very proud of him. She was a loyal Conservative.

Throughout the years she has touched the hearts of many people not wanting praise or thanks.

Mrs Ankers overcame life-threatening cancer and wanted to give something back so she and her husband joined the local Marie Curie Cancer Care Group. She sold small gifts, raising £100 for her efforts. She was also chosen to carry the Queen's Jubilee baton along Nantwich Road, raising more than £400.

Among her other efforts, Mrs Ankers helped to plant the daffodils in the field of hope by the Cheshire Cheese and was often seen selling them in the supermarkets.

One of her other memorable achievements was receiving an award for the best fundraising group in England from Sir Bill Cotton at the Stock Exchange in London two years ago.

Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council has sent its condolences and sympathy. Council leader Brian Silvester said: 'The news of Linda's death has come as a great shock. I know that Eddie is totally devastated and I hope that the knowledge that the thoughts of all his colleagues and friends are with him and his family will bring some comfort.

'She was a kind, friendly and sincere person who always put others first. I know that she was extremely proud when Eddie got back on the borough council.'

There will be a Celebration of Life service at noon on Friday at St Mark's Church, Shavington, followed by a private cremation. Family flowers only, donations to Marie Curie Cancer Care.