In pictures: Tributes paid to Rugby charity champion who was a "light in this world"

Tracie, 56, was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in 2012, a breast cancer that starts inside the milk ducts.

She had a double mastectomy and years of chemotherapy.

While having treatment, she was inspired to raise £1,000 for a chemotherapy chair.

Through her fundraising group, the Arden Angels, Tracie, who had children and grandchildren, went on to raise nearly £250,000 for local cancer patients.

She helped organise hundreds of events to raise funds for NHS patients in Rugby and Coventry, even launching herself from an aeroplane – twice - as part of fundraising skydives

Through events like head shaves, skydives, and ‘Strictly Pink’ dance shows, her campaign shattered all expectations. It was her dying wish to hit the £200,000 mark.

Funds from the group helped to bring breast cancer services back to Rugby’s Hospital of St Cross and Tracie won multiple awards for her tireless work.

Tracie then set up a group called Check Your Ducks, urging people to look out for signs of cancer on the 17th of every month.

After learning her cancer was terminal, she showed tenacity, courage and great strength. Tracie’s wicked sense of humour stayed until the end.

Her wife Chelle, said Tracie took her last breath on September 7, passing away peacefully and pain-free.

“She never gave up,” Chelle said.

"The disease took her body, not her spirit. Her humour, courage, lipstick, lashes, and fake tan carried her to the end. Her legacy lives on through Check Your Ducks. She was strength, loyalty, and generosity in human form. Very sensitive underneath, all she ever wanted was to feel loved. When she loved, she loved fully – often with a simple “ditto”.”

In February 2025, the couple were told Tracie had months to live due to the disease spreading to her brain. By early 2026, it spread to her spine, lungs, and new mets.

Chelle went on: “Pain beyond words, yet the lipstick never left!

"Affairs sorted to military precision. Gifts given. Lists written. Middle fingers raised. Her message never changed: Trust your body, advocate for yourself, ask questions, be part of trials. Say sorry. Say I love you. Stop saving things for best. Live while you are dying.”

Penny Appleyard, of Checks Your Ducks group, said: “There are some people who come into our lives and leave a mark that can never be erased.

"Tracie was my person. My best friend.”

Nickie Brightwell said: “Tracie was an absolute legend of a human whose strength determination knew no bounds.”

Celebrity Angela Rippon said: “Tracie was a light in this world.”

Chelle would like to say thanks to Tracie’s Oncology team, Lucy McAvan, Rugby Myton Support Hub, Shine A Light, Community Palliative Care, Sheila Differ, Kay Whitehead, the Maple Unit nurses, Jo Poultney, Tracey Evans, Karen Curley, Jaime at Hailstone and supportive friends.

A private cremation service has taken place at Rainsbrook Crematorium. Donations can be made to Check Your Ducks (see Facebook) in Tracie’s memory.