My sister  Judith Cunliffe-Jones , in the course of a routine day got into her car and abruptly suffered a brain haemorrhage. She was rushed to hospital - where our father and brother visited her. She did not recover consciousness and died at 9.15 last night. She was 56.

It is deeply shocking to lose someone in their mid 50s. But friends will know she struggled with many serious health problems, mainly the consequences of her genetic condition Turner's Syndrome. These included her short stature, gastro-intestinal disease, hearing loss and more. In the last five years it seemed to make her age very rapidly. And yet, in spite of a hidden but severe disability, and being immensely frustrated by the limitations that imposed, she was a remarkably positive person, who did everything she could to live fully and to be a good person who contributed to her family, friends and community.

Her achievements are remarkable. After a degree in History she worked as a news broadcaster for FEBA Christian radio in the Seychelles. She continued in journalism for some years and then, with deteriorating health worked in admin in the NHS and public service. When she lost this because of “efficiency savings” she became trapped in the cruel merry-go-round of our ‘flexible working system’ with piece work or a zero hours contract, but she never stopped trying, never developed cynicism or despair.

An example of her positivity. Being expected to accept any job available she took a week’s work delivering heavy directories. In the rainy streets she fell – dangerous given her worsening osteoporosis. Her reaction to our alarmed enquiries? “I might look like I’ve gone three rounds with a boxer, but I think I am alright”.

Aside from work, she travelled when she could; she wrote plays and poetry. She was a committed member of her church and was determined to contribute to her community, from helping run a youth group to being a Lib Dem councillor and activist.

On the Wednesday before she died she wrote an open email to our aunt wishing her well after recent surgery and not forgetting to pass on ‘good luck’ to our cousin Helen’s daughter for an upcoming performance in a play, before saying how she was looking forward to a meal out with her father and brother to celebrate Dad’s birthday. This email is an example of her generosity, her care.

She gave to Christian Aid too, because she believed in social justice and the alleviation of poverty. We hope you will contribute in her name. She was loved. She will be missed.

Judith once said, "If there's a hole in your life, fill it with love". That is how she tried to live her life.