Sue Harvey, who devoted herself to caring for others, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family, on February 27.

A beloved sister, wife and step-mother, Sue, 59, from Upper Stratton in Swindon was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2016.

Sue was told she had between one and three years to live, but she continued to take life one day at a time and make the most of every moment.

One of eleven children, Sue Sharland, as she was then, grew up in Swindon and went to school at Pinehurst and then Hreod Burna School. She enjoyed her childhood and had many happy memories of her early years. Her father ran a roofing company, and the family used to holiday in Weymouth. After school, she worked for various Swindon companies, including Torch Engineering, Blue Bird Toys and finally BMW.

She met her future husband, Bryan Harvey, 33 years ago at the Ferndale Social Club. He had two young sons, five-year-old Wayne and fourteen-year-old Paul. Sue was a devoted step-mum to the boys, and a godmother to ten children.

About 17 years ago, Bryan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. A former plumber and maintenance worker for Swindon Borough Council and Jephson Housing Association, he was able to keep working till he retired at 70, but Sue eventually took early retirement to care for him. She also looked after her twin sister Rosemary Heath, who has severe epilepsy and came to live with them.

Sue also worked hard for local charities, including the Prospect Foundation and the Royal British Legion. She helped her brother Paul raise £10,000 over ten years, when he ran marathons for Breast Cancer Research. On top of this, she would wash and iron for her nieces, who recently had children, and cared for elderly neighbours.

When Sue was diagnosed with MND, her family organised a special benefit event at the Swindon Town Football Club, with a Casino night -using play money - a disco and a raffle, with prizes donated by the Great Western Hotel, Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gala Bingo, among others. About 250 people attended, raising £1700 towards Sue’s care, and another £400 for the MND Association.

Following Sue's instructions, her brain and spine were donated to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, to further research into motor neurone disease.

Her step-son Wayne Harvey said: "She agreed for this to be done, so she could help research into the condition. Even after death, Sue continues to help other people."

Sue’s funeral will take place at the Kingsdown Crematorium in Swindon on Tuesday April 3 at 10.30am. Family flowers only. Donations to the Prospect Hospice at www.prospect-hospice.net.