THE life of an inspirational and selfless Fishguard woman who set up the town's Rainbow Support Centre was celebrated by her family and friends last week.

Yvonne Pye, 56, was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in March last year. Instead of taking things easy the mother and grandmother put boundless energy into setting up a drop-in centre so that others in a similar situation didn't have to face it alone.

She also raised money to keep the centre going, participating in the Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim and appearing as the Wicked Witch of the West on its Wizard of Oz float in Fishguard Carnival to raise awareness.

The Rainbow Support Centre was opened this spring by its patron Game of Thrones star Jerome Flynn.

Situated on West Street, Fishguard, it is open to people in Pembrokeshire with cancer or life-limiting illness, their families and carers and offers complementary therapies, integrative medicine, yoga, workshops, counselling, information and advice. It also provides a quiet place to pop into relax and have a cup of tea or coffee.

Yvonne, who used to work as a foster carer and at Redhill School, Haverfordwest, died peacefully on Thursday, September 21.

Tributes were paid to her at the annual Pale Moon Party the following Saturday, which was held to raise money for the centre.

Homoeopath and committee member, Amanda Clifford, who became a firm friend of Yvonne's over the years, spoke at the party as did Jerome Flynn.

"She was an amazing, inspirational lady," Amanda told the Western Telegraph. "She worked tirelessly and selflessly first as a foster mother and carer and then to do what she did with her own diagnosis by opening the centre just shows her true character. She was truly one of a kind, she had such generosity and was always thinking of other people.

"At all the events we went to we would always end up laughing so much.

"The whole of her life was dedicated to helping others. Her work at the centre kept her going and kept her strong.

"The committee and volunteers would like to thank Yvonne for everything she has done. She was a true inspiration to us and everyone she met. She bought us together. We are like a family."

Rhys, a therapist and committee member, who is studying for a degree in complementary health care added:

"I am so grateful for the opportunity that Yvonne gave me to work at the support centre during my university break and I am really looking forward to working there again. Yvonne was such an amazing lady and we will all miss her"

Nic Lewins, committee member and volunteer said ' A beautiful soul like Yvonne is never forgotten'

Amanda said the centre's committee is determined to keep it going in memory of its founder.

"Her loss has left a huge void at the centre," she said. "We are all rallying round and striving to keep the centre going and build it into something really successful in Yvonne's memory."

The Rainbow Support Centre is currently looking for more volunteers. To find out more, visit its Facebook page or ring 01348 873222.