What absolute devastating and heartbreaking news to hear and read on Friday evening that Gay Wharton - former Mayoress of Bolton, patron of Fortalice, charity ambassador and fund raising organiser for so many groups across the borough - had tragically lost her life in such horrific circumstances.

The news of her sudden death has been so hard to take in for so many of her close friends, colleagues and all those who came to know her in her many various public roles.

Our love and hearts go out to all her immediate family and relatives who have lost a most amazing, wonderful and unique person.

Gay worked relentlessly in her spare time for so many worthwhile and good causes in our town including Fortalice, Working Wardrobe, The Community Kitchen and Bolton Hospice.

Nothing became too much trouble for her - countless hours spent fund raising, running stalls, baking, working a unit for Fortalice in Crompton Place, organising, attending events and functions - always done with real commitment, zeal, love, passion, energy and enthusiasm and always for the benefit of others.

By being out and about in the community her work enabled her to help and encourage those less fortunate than others or to be there for those who had suffered illness or loss or simply be a friendly ear to someone lonely or in need.

She loved to meet people, hug, chat, laugh and you felt at great ease when in her company.

Gay was a most remarkable and inspirational lady and her hard work and legacy will live on in all of us and in our hearts for many years to come.

We must continue her good work in tribute and in memory to her.

Our current Mayor, Cllr Linda Thomas was spot on with her tribute when she said: “She’s really just irreplaceable”.

Indeed she is irreplaceable and we are all very grateful and thankful for knowing and having Gay in all our lives. She will be greatly missed by so many.

Kevin Morris