A great-grandmother who fought tirelessly to save a community centre which supports the elderly, has died.

Stalwart volunteer Lilian Lyons passed away after a long illness, at the age of 89.

The mum-of-two and former secretary gave much of her time to helping others and, in her latter years, was a key committee member of Chatham's Royal Voluntary Service.

When the popular drop-in centre and cafe – a lifeline to hundreds of vulnerable people across Medway – was faced with closure, Lilian stepped in to campaign to find an alternative venue.

The national charity eventually decided to match the £17,500 allocated to a hub by Medway Council.

The centre moved from the High Street to a new premises based near Melville Court in the town.

The Victory Community Centre is home to a cafe and wide range of activities including IT workshops, yoga and genealogy classes.

Lilian, who was a volunteer for nine years, performed the official opening with the mayor at the time, Cllr Habib Tejan, two years ago.

Her daughter Sue Abnett said: "My mother has always been keen on helping others. When she became too old to volunteer for other organisations she joined the RVS.

"She trained at the College of Commerce in London and used to take a shorthand note of the meetings.

"Mum was clearly a force, quietly but forcefully campaigning to support vulnerable people in the community, unstintingly.

"Mum was the bravest woman I know and she deserves recognition. She inspired others from all generations to volunteer."

Lilian, a widow, brought up her family in Strood before moving to the Watts' Almhouses in Rochester.

She died on Wednesday March 24 at Medway Maritime Hospital.

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