TRIBUTES have flooded in for a much-loved sister and friend who has died suddenly.

Relatives said Tracey Allen “made Brighton and Hove hum” with her “relentless” charity work and fundraising.

She founded communications agency SEA PR in 2012 which championed community causes in the Brighton area.

Tracey was also a keen sailor and could often be seen sailing her boat, Catalan Bay, from the docks near her home in Brighton Marina.

But the 50-year-old was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital on Sunday afternoon with a heart condition.

After complicated surgery, she died four days later.

Family and friends have paid tribute to Tracey, who they describe as a “shining star”.

Her brother, Kenton Allen, said: “Tracey was the most wonderful daughter, fantastic little sister and loyal friend.

“Everyone who met her instantly knew she was a thoughtful and compassionate person with a smile that could light up a room – and your soul.

“She had a deep belief, dedication and desire to work within her local community for social good.

“She was the former head of social action at the Capital Radio Group and the regional director of Help A Local Child across the South East, where she raised more than £1 million in eight years for disadvantaged local children.

“Those who knew Tracey, even just a little, have lost a shining light in their lives. She loved so many and was loved by so many more.

“She had a love for life, a wicked sense of humour and an effervescent energy that even if you met her just once, you’d remember her for life.”

Former partner and good friend Steve Allen said her loss was “tragic”.

He said: “It will be felt deeply by me and my children, Josh and Fran, who lovingly referred to her as ‘mother-in-law’.

“Professionally, I enjoyed working with Tracey as an ambassador for the Sussex Community Foundation, raising funds for local charities

“She was a life force and a north star for everyone who met her.

“Whether she was on land, in the air or on the sea, she did all her travelling with style.

“I genuinely believe that Brighton and much of Sussex is a far better place to live, work and play through her relentless dedication to charities and community groups.”

Tracey was born in Stourbridge, in the West Midlands, but moved to Brighton about 20 years ago. Brother Kenton said she immediately “loved the place”.

Her colleague and close friend Lisa Hayward said: “Tracey has been one of my closest friends for many years.

“She was the most wonderful and loyal friend.

“She was always there for me and nothing was ever too much trouble for her. Everyone who met her instantly knew she was a thoughtful, loving, funny and compassionate person with a smile that could light up a room.

“She loved so many and was loved by so many more.

“I can’t believe she’s not with us any more, I miss her terribly. The world has lost a shining star.”

Now, friends and family have set up a fundraiser in her honour to continue her good work.

Kenton said: “We want something positive to come out of this dreadful news. We want to launch the fund and, hopefully, make it an annual thing to support the charitable organisations which she was a part of, those that don’t get the attention or money they deserve.”

The Total Giving page, named The Tracey Allen Memorial Fund, was set up on Thursday and, within 24 hours, had already raised more than £1,000.

Kenton also said that friends and family were looking to hold an open memorial for Tracey in January, with further details being released nearer the time.

l A classy lady who worked tirelessly for all – page 11