After an arduous battle with Multiple Sclerosis, a much loved and long-standing champion of disabled people has died aged 67.

Before her death on December 14, Sue Ball inspired and enhanced the people's lives for 20 years in her role as chief executive and then chairwoman of charity Richmond AID.

Pauline Hill, vice-chairwoman of Richmond AID, said: "Sue had a big personality, she was a great friend, had a big smile for everyone and she loved to laugh.

"She led by example, by making people feel good and you always felt good when you met Sue.

"She was very unselfish; even when her disability impeded her enormously she never complained and always asked how you were.

"She had a can-do attitude which was infectious."

Sue was diagnosed with MS in 1982 and after a career spanning 28 years with British Gas, she joined Richmond AID as chief executive in 1996.

Ms Hill oversaw the growth of a small project to a charity that supports disabled people of all ages with all kinds of disabilities, along with families, carers and professionals, and providing many invaluable services.

Pauline described Sue as "extraordinarily generous" and an "inspiring person".

"She made you feel as though everything is possible."