AN “amazing” manager and volunteer who dedicated ten years of her life to supporting Havens hospices has passed away after a battle with cancer, sparking an outpouring of emotion.

Jane Hopkins, 56, worked with the hospices as community engagement manager for ten years and completed a series of fundraising challenges to raise cash to support the vital role of the hospices in the community.

Sadly, on Tuesday, Jane passed away after a short battle with cancer with husband, Mike, by her side.

Havens hospices say the whole team has been left devastated by her death but said her “immense” legacy will be remembered and celebrated.

Amy Dearing, director of fundraising and marketing said: “Everyone at Havens hospices is devastated following the death of Jane, a dear colleague and friend of the charity for more than ten years.

“Jane, our community engagement manager, was a beloved member of the Havens hospices fundraising team. She led the charity’s flagship events such as the Southend Half Marathon, Havens to Havens Walk, Night Rush and Duathlon.

“She also organised our first-ever overseas bespoke bike ride, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for the charity.

“The history between Jane and Havens hospices runs deep. Jane’s legacy at Havens hospices is immense and will be suitably celebrated. Our love and thoughts are with her husband Mike, her family and countless friends.”

Havens hospices provides care to babies, children, and young people, and adults with complex or incurable conditions across its Little Havens Hospice and Fair Havens Hospice sites.

Jane was also a core team member, and original organiser of the Chalkwell Beach Parkrun.

In tribute to Jane, the team has organised a memorial Parkrun on March 30.

A spokesman said: “Jane was an amazing woman with a wicked sense of humour, who did a lot for her community. With our event she helped form the original team to decide on the location, recruit other volunteers and core team members, keep good relations with the running clubs, and of course direct her own events.

“We ask that if you would like to pay your respects on March 30 towards Jane, try to wear a high viz colour such as the Havens hospices run vests a bright green / yellow luminous colour.”

Visit havenshospices.org.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/in-memory-donation/