A much loved former mayor and the founder of the cancer charity which bears her name has lost her battle with the disease.

Brenda Kirby died on Sunday, aged 70, after being diagnosed with brain and lung cancer in 2009.

She was known as the politician who brought together people from all sides of the political spectrum.

Mrs Kirby’s husband Bob said: “She was a very caring person and was never what I would call a politician.

“She simply went into politics to become a local councillor as she felt very strongly that people should be represented.

“She lived a full life.”

And councillors from both Labour and the Conservatives paid their respects with a minute’s silence at the start of a cabinet meeting at Croydon town hall on Monday night.

Mrs Kirby was a long serving and well-respected councillor for New Addington where she first took up her seat in 1986.

She temporarily stepped down due to ill-health but then was re-elected following a by-election in 2000 and became the 122nd Mayor of Croydon in 2004.

Following her cancer diagnosis she was given support from the South East Cancer Care Centre in Purley and so decided to set up a similar centre in New Addington.

In 2010 she was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours for the contribution she had made to the community of New Addington.

Officially opened in November 2011, the Brenda Kirby Cancer Centre is based at New Addington Baptist Church and offers advice and support to anyone from the area suffering from the disease.

'Her inspiration and enthusiasm was immense'

The charity’s trustee and treasurer Ken Sherwood said: “I first met Brenda some 14 years ago when working at Centronic in New Addington when she asked for help in a local project.

“When I became district centre manager for New Addington, Brenda was so very supportive and helped me in many ways to fulfil that role.

“Living in New Addington, she knew the people she served so very well and helped me understand their needs.

“When she asked me to help councillors Letts and Ayres in creating the Brenda Kirby Cancer Centre to support people with cancer in New Addington, it was a no brainer.

“Her inspiration and enthusiasm was immense and she attended all the meetings and events whenever her illness allowed her.

“It was a privilege and an honour to work with her on this.

“We will continue the work to support those living with cancer in New Addington and all areas within Croydon and Biggin Hill.”

'Brenda Kirby was the politician who brought together people from all the main political parties'

And Croydon Council leader Councillor Tony Newman said: “Brenda was from that rare breed of politicians who not only connected naturally with local communities but also brought together people from all the main political parties.

“She lived alongside the community she represented for many years and had a deep and personal understanding of the issues which mattered most to those she represented.

“I know I can speak for everyone who knew Brenda when I pass on to her family the sincere gratitude Croydon owes to a woman who dedicated her life to helping others and making the world a better place.”

As a teacher with a passion for drama and the arts and a love for her community Mrs Kirby became a governor at Fairchildes Primary School, manager of the Goldcrest Youth Centre and founder of the New Addington Little League.

She was also a founder member and trustee of the Octagon Cyber Café, which is now home to the New Addington Pathfinders.

She served both as an opposition member on the library and arts and education committees and as the lead member for cultural services.

Brenda Kirby's funeral is taking place at Croydon Minster at 2pm next Wednesday, October 8.