A PROUD mother has paid tribute to her “beautiful” daughter who bravely battled cancer.

Jayne Burbidge said daughter Sarah, aged 31, bore her illness with dignity and even when she was offered palliative care at Worcestershire Royal Hospital she insisted her bed was given to someone who could benefit from it.

Sarah Trueman, nee Sheen, died at St Richard's Hospice last month and this week about 80 people turned out for a memorial walk raising £425 for the city charity.

Jayne said: "Sarah was a very passionate, caring person, very kind and supported the hospice before her illness, undertaking a couple of charity runs. It was something that was very close to her heart.

“She was a very bubbly, caring girl. A beautiful girl who did her best at anything she set her heart on."

Jayne, who previously worked as a therapist at the hospice, recalled how Sarah married Tom in June 2016 and was diagnosed with cancer in December that year.

She underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy but then lymphoedema was found in her legs, which affected her mobility.

She was recovering but became ill in February this year as secondary cancer was found in her brain, lymph, heart and chest.

Jayne said: "Her care at St Richard’s was second to none. They do great work there."

Sarah was Worcester born and bred and became a very successful chef working her way up from restaurants such as the Hadley Bowling Green to being part of Shaun Hill's team at the Glasshouse before going on to work for star names Gordon Ramsay and Rick Stein.

Her latest role was an NVQ assessor at Babcock International where she fondly referred to her budding chefs as “her learners”

The walk on Wednesday evening took in part of the Worcester Stands Tall giraffe trail which is raising funds for the hospice.

It was organised by friendship group Worcestershire Walks Wine and Fun of which both Jayne and Sarah were members.

Jayne said: "The walk was very well supported. I’m very proud of my daughter.

“She was a group member and went on a couple of walks, which she enjoyed immensely, laughing all the way round.

“We shared some special memories last night.

“It was a fitting tribute to Sarah. Martin Nicholls did a great job organising the night and we were overwhelmed by the kindness shown by the group."

Mr Nicholls said: “When Jayne suggested a memorial walk, I thought it would be perfect to marry it up with the giraffe walk for St Richard's Hospice.

"It worked out really well and I'm very proud of our members for turning out in such numbers and showing support for a friend."