INSPIRING, vivacious and caring.

These are just some of the words used to describe the manager of inSwindon, Rebecca Rowland, who has lost her battle with cancer.

The 49-year-old was responsible for running the town centre and was a committed supporter of Prospect Hospice, where she died on Wednesday night with her two daughters by her side.

Rebecca was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2013 and went through intensive treatment in an attempt to beat the illness .

Since being appointed BID manager last year, Rebecca fought hard to bring markets to the town centre and oversaw many events which attracted shoppers, most notably the Christmas lights switch-on.

Yesterday, her colleagues spoke of a woman they saw more as a friend than a boss.

Kirsty Heber-Smith, a spokesman for inSwindon said: “It is a great loss and words cannot describe how wonderful, inspiring and incredible Rebecca was.

“She was a fighter through and through and someone we will never, ever forget.”

Another colleague, Tim Paradise, said: “Rebecca was not only a colleague but seen to many of us in the office as family.

“Her caring nature, determination to change people’s perspective of Swindon and her dedication to her job will always be remembered.”

In her role, she regularly dealt with members of the council who yesterday spoke of her success in breathing life into the town.

Council leader David Renard (Con, Haydon Wick) said: “It is desperately sad to hear about Rebecca Rowland’s passing. She was a lively and vivacious woman who worked very hard for the town.

“She had an enthusiastic and joyous approach to everything she did and it was always a pleasure to be in her company.

“She fought off cancer the first time and we all hoped she had beaten it but, sadly, that was not the case.”

Prospect Hospice was very close to Rebecca’s heart and she completed a number of challenges to raise money for it, including a skydive.

She also took part in the Starlight Walk with family members and helped to raise more than £10,000 on the Bluebell Walk.

Sheryl Crouch, the hospice’s head of fundraising said: “Rebecca was a committed supporter of Prospect Hospice for a very long time.

“She was always very determined to raise all that she could for a charity that was close to her heart, and was clearly disappointed when her health prevented her from being able to take part in our Big Swim event during the summer.”

Her family and colleagues have said they will continue to raise money for the charity in her memory.