TRIBUTES poured in from far and wide throughout the weekend as EADT readers mourned the loss of columnist Rhona Damant, who has died after a seven-year battle against cancer.

By Danielle Nuttall

TRIBUTES poured in from far and wide throughout the weekend as EADT readers mourned the loss of columnist Rhona Damant, who has died after a seven-year battle against cancer.

The inspirational fundraiser, who lived in Great Waldringfield, near Sudbury, died on Thursday night at the age of 45.

Her devoted readers, who followed every step of her fight in her weekly EADT column, have been left heartbroken at the news.

Many took time over the weekend to pen their own poignant tribute, honouring the mother-of-two's bravery and revealing how she had touched their lives.

Andy, from Bury St Edmunds, wrote: “Dear Rhona, your courage and determination in the face of unimaginable pain and discomfort has been a source of humility to us all.

“Even though I never had the pleasure of meeting you in person, reading your weekly diary of both joy and sadness, but with hardly a word of complaint, brought tears to my eyes. We will never forget you Rhona.”

June, from East Bergholt, wrote: “To our dear Rhona, a most wonderful person, who bravely fought, loved, inspired and wrote with such honesty in her fight against this cruel disease.

“I never had the pleasure of meeting you in person but I like many others must feel they have lost a dear friend. May you fly forever Rhona. My heartfelt wishes and love to such a special person and her dear family. God Bless to you all.”

Rhona, who was married to David, imagined her life after death as a fairy, and many of the messages made reference to that.

Yvonne Crowther, from Bramford, wrote: “You have touched the hearts of my entire family and our sympathies and thoughts are with yours - go sprinkle your fairy dust in heaven.”

In another tribute, Pat Bridges, from Little Waldringfield, said: “The lovely florist who sorted out my floral tributes with me when I was distressed and worried.

“An inspiration during my brush with health problems. Bye-bye Rhona and thank you for brightening Monday mornings, we shall all miss you. Heartfelt sympathy to your lovely family.”

Geraldine Barker, from Saxmundham, described Rhona's column as wonderful.

“Reading it gave me renewed strength during my son's treatement for Hodgkins Lymphona. I regret that I never had the opportunity to meet Rhona but feel that I knew her so well,” she wrote.

“Our thoughts will be with her family and friends. She will always live in our memories.

“Our tears of sadness are also of peace, in acknowledgement that she achieved her aims, spread understanding of cancer, helped people live with cancer and brought light and joy to everyone that read her words.”

Tributes also poured in from much further afield, showing the extent to which Rhona's bravery had touched people's lives.

Clare, David and Oscar, from Cardiff, wrote: “Rhona, we are deeply saddened to hear the news. We read your column via post and like so many people we were touched by your honesty and courage.

“Our thoughts and love to David, Kristopher and Francesca. Spread your 'Fairy Wings' and fly.....go scatter your fairy dust!”

Jacque, from Hampshire, wrote: “A friend would bring down the EADT for me to read your article, I also have your book, I spread the word down south what an amazing person you are. Love to your family.”