A charity has paid tribute to one of its long-time volunteers who died last week.

Olga Gray died in the care of the Hospice team on December 20. She had been a volunteer with island-based charity Breast Cancer Now Isle of Man for over 30 years.

Jan Brooks MBE and Barbara Thorn, co-founders of the charity formerly known as Breakthrough Breast Cancer Isle of Man, wrote a tribute to Mrs Gray following the news of her death.

The tribute said: ’Olga joined Breakthrough Breast Cancer in the late 1990s when her daughter Michele first contracted breast cancer in her early thirties.

’Olga heard of Breakthrough Breast Cancer Isle of Man which was raising money for much-needed breast cancer research, as well as campaigning for better treatments and awareness of breast cancer in the island and she wanted to join us.’

They explained why Mrs Gray was so valued in the charity, saying: ’From the start, Olga was totally dedicated to this cause and with her well-known enthusiasm and organisation.

’She set to raise money both by participating in our group events and by having her own special event every year in July, "Olga’s coffee morning", which has run every year, including this year, ever since.

’It’s raised large sums of money for the breast cancer charity.

’Olga had continued to take an active part in the group since then.

’She has been an inspiration and leading light for many events held in the island ever since her beloved daughter Michele died in 2005.’

The statement added: ’All her friends at Breast Cancer Now Isle of Man will miss her terribly, her contribution to the cause of breast cancer was immense.

’Olga was caring, loving, kind, funny, supportive, giving, beautiful inside and out and leaves us with an abundance of happy memories.

’She will be missed by many.’

Mrs Gray, who lived in Douglas, was known for her efforts within the charity as a committee member.

She was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List of 2016 after more than 50 years of service to the Manx community through her volunteer work for various charities.

At the time, she said she never did any of her work expecting to be recognised or rewarded.

Mrs Gray was also involved in amateur theatre and helped to form the Manx Gateway drama group for people with learning disabilities.

As well as this, she was involved in gaining the Isle of Man as a venue for the British All Winners Festival of Plays.

Mrs Gray continued to perform and direct performances with local group the Legion Players well into her 80s.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at the Promenade Methodist Church in Douglas, starting at 12pm to celebrate her life.

Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to Breast Cancer Now.