TRICIA Preston's vitality and commitment will be remembered tomorrow as hundreds are expected to pay their final respects to the woman at the helm of Bolton's breast cancer care.

Many of her former patients are due to gather at St Matthews Church, Little Lever, joining family and friends at the funeral for a sad, final farewell.

The breast cancer specialist nurse died at Bolton Hospice after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer six months ago. She was aged 52.

Mrs Preston, of Bradley Fold, Bolton, dedicated much of her working life to improving breast cancer services to many of Bolton's women.

She was often seen in the community and at support groups and was described as "a friend to many" providing vital care and advice to those diagnosed with breast problems.

Her husband, Brian, who works for the Greater Manchester Fire Service, said: "She was a very caring person. She was cheerful, caring and helpful -- she was always there for the patients."

The mother-of-three qualified as a nurse in 1970 and worked at Salford and Manchester before becoming a health visitor in 1975.

After a career break to have her three boys, Mrs Preston went back to work part-time in 1981 and came to Bolton as a health visitor in 1989.

It was then that her interest in breast cancer issues was kindled and in 1993 she had an opportunity to train as a breast care nurse.

She is being praised for spearheading many innovative breast awareness schemes in Bolton -- many services she ran single-handedly.

She became clinical nurse specialist in breast care at the Bolton Breast Unit in 1994.

Mary Arthur, head of the service for general surgery at the Royal Bolton Hospital, said: "She showed a commitment to this role and helped to shape the way forward for the service. The vitality she had for life will live in the memories of many people she has loved, nursed, cared for and supported over the years and those lucky enough to have worked with her."