Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid his respects to the Body Shop founder.

He said: "I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Anita Roddick, one of this country's true pioneers.

"She campaigned for green issues for many years before it became fashionable to do so and inspired millions to the cause by bringing sustainable products to a mass market.

"She will be remembered not only as a great campaigner but also as a great entrepreneur.

"As one of this country's most successful businesswomen she was an inspiration to women throughout the country striving to set up and grow their own companies.

"She will be much missed and my thoughts are with her family and friends."

Charles Gore, the chief executive of the Hepatitis C Trust, said he first met Dame Anita when she was referred to the charity by her consultant.

He said: "Her consultant suggested she might like to approach us, firstly as a patient, but then she mentioned she would like to raise awareness for us.

"She became a patron and she was always willing to do anything to help. It was extraordinary how it wouldn't matter what it was, she would do it.

"Working with her was so joyful. The great thing about Anita was that she took all her causes incredibly seriously but she never took herself seriously, which made her really fun to be with."

Mr Gore said that despite suffering from hepatitis C and having cirrhosis of the liver, Dame Anita had very few symptoms.

He also confirmed that people with hepatitis C were not more likely to suffer a brain haemorrhage because of their condition.

Justin Francis, of Responsible Travel.com, a business Dame Anita supported, also paid tribute to his "inspiration".

He said: "I worked for her at The Body Shop, and she was a great inspiration in showing how business could be a force for good.

"She invested money in my travel business to help me get up and running.

"She was an incredible lady, a real livewire."

Amnesty International UK director Kate Allen said: "I am shocked and saddened. Anita Roddick's passion for human rights was immeasurable and we have lost a true champion of the oppressed and persecuted.

"Anita had been a key part of Amnesty International for many years and had shared her brilliance and energy with us to marvellous effect.

"Fundamentally she was an activist, someone who always understood the importance of people standing up for human rights.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to her husband Gordon, her daughters Justine and Sam, and to the rest of Anita's family."

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