TRIBUTES have been paid to a wonderful and dedicated Barrow mum-of-four who died aged 41.

Jo Wakefield died suddenly last month at Furness General Hospital. Miss Wakefield had meningitis.

She was the loving partner and soulmate of Dan Cottam, the treasured mum of Beth, Bryony, Warren and Archie and the much-loved nanna of Jorgie and Jaxon.

Miss Wakefield was a friend to many and a popular team member at Barrow's Tesco Extra and the Tesco.com service.

Hundreds of people attended Miss Wakefield's funeral and there was standing room only at Thorncliffe Crematorium. Donations were collected for the Meningitis Trust.

Friends have rallied together to support Miss Wakefield's family through the Jo Wakefield Memorial Fund.

More than £2,000 has already been raised for the fund. The community got behind Tesco colleague Chris Everett and Adam Armstrong, who climbed Kilimanjaro in Jo's memory and donated the sponsorship to her memorial fund.

A race night is taking place for the fund on Saturday December 3, at Hawcoat Park Sports Club, Barrow, which has been organised by close friends.

Miss Wakefield's close friends Kerry Dixon, Shirley Coyle, Karen Berry, Amanda Boyle, Sharon Waldron, Paula Currie, Rachael Goligy, Julie Ireland and Kirsty Creegan, said: "On behalf of our circle of friends we would just like to say how wonderful and witty our dear friend was, who will be greatly missed.

"There was never a dull moment when Jo was about and she was always life and soul of the party. Jo was the most dedicated mum, partner and nanna. Her family was her life.

"We are holding a charity event at the Hawcoat Sports Club in her memory with all proceeds to her appeal. We will be organising a race event and holding a raffle to be drawn that evening and are appealing for as many donations as possible to raise as much money for her family as possible."

Miss Wakefield was also well-known as a fantastic baker and she supported lots of charity events with her cakes.

Alison Payne, the Tesco.com driver manager at Barrow Tesco Extra, said: "Jo was lovely, bubbly, chatty and always had a smile on her face.

"Everyone has been very shocked and we are focusing on the family and helping them."

*The race night on December 3 starts at 7.30pm and everyone is welcome to go along and support the fund.

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