AROUND 1500 members of the community turned out to pay respect to ovarian cancer campaigner Lesley Woolcock today.

Family, friends, and people who had become aware of Mrs Woolcock’s cancer drug campaign and charity fundraising efforts gathered at Adams funeral home to celebrate her life following her death, aged 47.

The former Vale of Glamorgan play development worker fought a successful battle to be given life-prolonging drug avastin, after the Wales NHS had, at first, denied her the drug in what is known as the ‘postcode lottery’.

Mrs Woolcock fought to raise awareness for ovarian cancer and the importance of testing and early diagnosis while also raising thousands of pounds for supporting charities.

She saw the birth of her first grandchild, and her second grandchild -Percy – was born hours before her death.

Following a social media campaign for her Arsenal football hero, Ian Wright to meet her, he spoke and texted her and was due to see her the day before she died, but her health forced the family to cancel.

Mrs Woolcock’s funeral took place at Barry cemetery with the celebration of her life held at Barry’s Witchell Hotel – the venue for some of her fundraising events.

Almost £3000 has been raised in her honour so far.

To make a charitable donation in her memory, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lesley-woolcock.