TRIBUTES have been paid to a “colourful musician” who has died after losing her battle with a brain tumour.

Christine Makin, known as Crissi, was well known in Bolton, particularly on the music scene, and enjoyed raising money for charity.

The 59-year-old, former licensee of The Tramways in Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge, died on Monday, July 28, after battling an aggressive brain tumour.

Last year she raised more than £200 for Children in Need by hosting an all-day busking event in Churchgate. Before falling ill, she had hoped to become a self-help advocate.

While working as a licensee in Bolton Ms Makin allowed bands to rehearse in a room in the pub and always encouraged people to perform.

Ms Makin, a transsexual formerly known as Clive, became ill earlier this year and was cared for in Astley Grange Nursing Home until she died.

She rarely spoke about her illness, but recently paid friends a visit in Bolton town centre with the help of a carer who pushed Miss Makin in a wheelchair.

Colin Liptrot, aged 29, an employee at Booth’s music shop in Churchgate, said: “Crissi was very much involved in charity work and helping homeless people. She would go out of her way to plan soup kitchens and help people.

“She would never judge anyone. She would try her best to make people happy and brought joy to people’s lives.

“She was a bit of a live wire. She didn’t care what people thought but she did not have an easy time. She had an attitude of ‘so what’ and would not let things bother her.”

Gavin Walker, aged 57, a musician from Astley Bridge, said: “Crissi was extremely colourful, she didn’t do anything by halves.

“She was very humorous and could be very dark at times. She was very talented. She was musical, took part in open mic nights and wrote poetry.”

Mr Walker lived next door to Ms Makin of Wilton Street, Astley Bridge, for more than 30 years.

He said she is survived by her father, sister and two grown-up nephews who she doted on.

Ms Makin had previously worked in Mr Fry’s in Newport Street, Bolton, for about two years, but continued to visit her friends there most days.

Philip Ormrod, aged 57, owner of Mr Fry’s, said: “She was funny, always laughing and joking, she could be a bit mischievous.

“She could dress quite flamboyantly, but could also dress conservatively.”

Ms Makin loved Sam, her Alsatian border collie cross, and liked Old Man, a song by Neil Young. She was a Quaker and involved with Bolton Quakers in Silverwell Street, Bolton.

Her funeral was held at Overdale Crematorium on Wednesday.