Warm tributes have been paid to much-loved radio presenter Suzy Richardson who died on Friday following a battle with cancer.

Her brother, Simon Richardson, who also worked at Manx Radio, said: ’Suzy was a warm, caring, generous and incredibly funny person.

’On a personal level she was also the best big sister anybody could ever dream of.’

Suzy’s media career began working for the Isle of Man Examiner and Simon went on to say that, when she joined Manx Radio in 1972, it was very much against her wishes.

He recalled: ’Suzy’s career in radio would never have happened if it hadn’t been for my Mum.

’She spotted the vacancy at Manx Radio and sent off an application in Suzy’s name - to Sue’s abject horror.

’I think they had to put her in an arm lock and drag her up for interview!

’Thankfully those in power at the station at the time spotted they had someone with a special talent and incredible warmth - the rest is history.’

Simon explained that he worked with Suzy at Manx Radio for 14 years.

’When I was in the newsroom, it was nice to sneak up to the music library every now and then for a quick cuppa together and put the world to rights,’ he said.

Presenter Andy Mac who also worked at Manx Radio at the time recalled a golden age in local radio: ’We had an audience reach of 82% - that’s unheard of nowadays.

’It was just a wonderful period for Manx Radio and Suzy was part of it.’

He added: ’She had every talent to be a national broadcaster but Suzy was the Isle of Man.’

Another former presenter, Stu Lowe, who now lives in Canada, was doing the breakfast show at the time and would hand over to Suzy for her mid-morning stint.

He said: ’I’m devastated. She was a wonderful lady.’

Suzy, who lived in Baldrine, was on the air for four decades and is probably best remembered for the ’Swap Shop’, which became required listening for many people on the island, with its wacky format of swapping an unwanted, and sometimes slightly oddball, item for something equally unlikely - the rule was that no money was allowed to change hands.

Simon said: ’Contrary to her public persona, Suzy was actually a very shy, private person who always felt uncomfortable in the spotlight.

’She loved nothing more than burying her nose in a book or heading off into the country in her wellies - dog in tow.

’She also idolised her son, Benn, and her three very special grandchildren - Luka, Mags and Illy.

’Pete, her partner of 14 years, has been by her side throughout her illness and has been a great support.

’For somebody so good to be struck down by such a vicious and unforgiving disease is cruel beyond belief.

’That she bore it for so long with incredible dignity and good humour is, though, no surprise. Possibly the greatest tribute I can give to my sister is that everybody - and I mean everybody - always felt completely relaxed and at ease in her company, she had that gift.’

The funeral takes place at Douglas Crematorium on Thursday next week (November 30) at 11.30am.

Suzy leaves partner Peter Barlow, son Benn and three grandchildren, Luka, Mags and Illy. Also brothers Simon and Bev, nieces and nephews.