A BEST-SELLING author whose husband has died from cancer has described his brave battle against the illness.

Geoffrey Oliver Cater, known as Ollie, died in his wife Tamara McKinley’s arms at their home in Jevington.

Ollie was a well-known sportsman who played cricket for Sussex and Jevington, and rugby for Eastbourne.

The 73-year-old was a former Eastbourne Grammar School pupil and in later life became a popular teacher at St Andrew’s School in Meads, Eastbourne, where he taught sports, English, history and drama.

Author Tamara McKinley, who also goes under the pen name Ellie Dean, said Ollie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2019 and despite a successful operation, he suffered complications.

She said they had gone through a “ghastly” past 15 months and her husband died after a “heroic” battle against the disease.

In October, Australian-born Tamara, 72, announced her retirement from writing in order to look after Ollie.

He died on December 6, and his funeral was held on December 18.

They were a recognisable duo among the group Anderida Writers of Eastbourne.

Anderida chairman Tony Flood said the couple were able to succeed in their achievements together.

Ollie Cater was born in East Dean in March 1947 and was a promising schoolboy at the grammar school in Eastbourne.

His sporting success included playing for Eastbourne Rugby Club and notably cricket for Sussex and then latterly Jevington, where he became the club president. Mr Flood said Ollie also had a dramatic flare for performance, appearing as Bill Sykes in amateur productions of the musical Oliver with his baritone voice.

Mr Flood said: “Both Ollie and Tamara showed tremendous courage as he battled so long against cancer.

“He was a great friend to Anderida, coming to several meetings with Tamara, and was always very friendly and helpful.

“He will be much missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.

“Tamara benefited greatly from her husband’s support while writing so many best-selling books under her own name and that of Ellie Dean.

“This helped her to achieve world fame with sales of more than 2,000,000 copies.”

Tamara, who is a Sunday Times best-selling author with the Cliffehaven series, has thanked people for the support she has received since Ollie became ill.

She said: “I would like to thank everyone for all the love and support they have given me through the last ghastly 15 months.”

The author has appealed to friends and wellwishers to donate to the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund (PCRF) in Ollie’s memory.

To find out more or to donate, visit www.pcrf.org.uk.