Ref. 9140-48TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a woman who inspired a campaign made successful by Advertiser readers.

Julie-anne Booth, of Grange Park, who died earlier this week at the age of 44, made the news in 2001 after chemotherapy and radiotherapy failed to stop her breast cancer spreading to other parts of her body.

Her only hope was a treatment centre in Mexico which she could not afford.

Generous readers rallied to her cause and managed to raise the £20,000 she needed for the trip.

Julie-anne's younger sister, Patricia Fenton, 40, of Chippen-ham told the Adver she wanted to thank everybody for their support.

She said: "Julie was absolutely amazed at the incredible support she got from people who didn't even know her. She was tremendously overwhelmed from the help strangers offered.

"She was the most incredibly brave person I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Having her as a sister was a bonus.

"She was remarkably strong. As weak as she was in the end she never gave in and she never once asked 'why me'?"

Former school friends of Julie-anne have spoken of her bravery and told how she fought the disease to the end.

Kathy Kerrigan, 44, of Old Walcot, was a former school friend who helped raise money.

She said: "I thought she was very strong. I think she always had hope and the trip to Mexico gave her a boost.

"She was a very brave lady and very kind hearted and I know she was always grateful for everything that everyone did to help her. It's very sad."

Maria Pethwick, 44, of West Swindon, is another former school friend who helped raise funds.

She said: "She fought it for a long time. She was very brave and I know she did as much as she could with her family.

"I think Mexico helped because it gave her the extra years and she fought it to the end. I'm sure she will be missed."

Paul Davoile, is the landlord of Julie-anne's local, the Windmill pub, in Freshbrook.

In 2001 they raised hundreds of pounds for her with a Weakest Link night. Paul, 50, said: "Even after the event the money for Julie-anne kept coming in. It was one of those things that really grasped people's imaginations.

"People wanted to help and that says it all. She was a fighter."

Julie-anne was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997.

Four years later, after undergoing gruelling chemotherapy radiography she discovered it had spread to her spine and neck.

The Crusade of Hope campaign in the Adver meant that she could travel to the Oasis of Hope in Tijuana, Mexico, where she could have holistic medical treatment.

She died peacefully on Monday at the Great Western Hospital.

Gareth Bethell