The much loved founder of a charity that brought friendship, fun and companionship to lonely and isolated people across Slough has died after a courageous battle against cancer.

Aksa Marshal lived in Farnham Common with her family.

After being made redundant in 2013 from Slough Borough Council's sports and leisure department she found a new goal in life when she founded Meet and Mingle - a social club for women which became a lifeline for many.

It organised social gatherings and outings that helped members expand their horizons and make new friends.

It was so successful that it expanded to include a men's section.

Mrs Marshal was awarded a Volunteer of the Year award in 2015 by Slough Council for Voluntary Services.

She did not let her battle against ovarian cancer stop her work with Meet and Mingle. She got special permission to leave her hospital bed to attend a cancer awareness conference she had organised at Slough's Copthorne Hotel,soon after her charity raised £10,000 for the Imperial Health Charity's Ovarian Care Fund.

Shortly before she died about 200 members of her charity visited her at the hospice in Hatch Lane where she was being cared for, presenting £600 they had raised to its chief executive Debbie Raven.

The money was gratefully received by the hospice which relies on public subscriptions.

Stephanie Peters, head of marketing at the hospice, said: "Mrs Marshal is an incredible woman.

"So many people were concerned about her and wanted to see her because she had touched their lives."

After her death her husband and daughters Asa and Ana said on Facebook: "She fought her two year battle with cancer full of strength, bravery, positivity and with a smile up until her last breath. She passed peacefully surrounded by family. There is no doubt she will be missed my many and forgotten by none. Please do keep us in your prayers as we are heartbroken over her loss, but know she is not suffering any longer and is at peace in a much better place. Rest in peace my darling. With love always, Marshal, Asa & Ana."