Cancer campaigner Lynne Charman, who conquered breast cancer eight years ago, has died.

The 52-year-old mother, who set up Butterflies, a Worthing-based support group for men and women, lost her fight for life in St Barnabas' Hospice, Worthing, on Friday.

She had suffered a second, unrelated cancer.

Her husband Howard said: "I have lost a beautiful wife and my best friend."

Lynne also leaves two daughters, Lisa and Nicola, and three grandchildren, Devon, Max and Connor.

In October, as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Lynne and Howard, from Lancing, talked about their experiences in a feature in The Argus.

Lynne was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993, underwent a mastectomy and was eventually given the all-clear.

During her treatment, she realised there was little support available for women and their partners together.

With help from the West Sussex Breast Centre, she set up Butterflies, which now has 50 men and women members.

Howard said: "Lynne was a very determined lady. She talked straight and got on with it. When she realised there was a need for a group where husbands could talk as well as wives, she set one up."

The second devastating blow came three years ago when Lynne fell ill and was diagnosed with a new cancer.

Howard said: "This was not a secondary breast cancer. It was cancer in her stomach.

"Two-and-a-half years ago doctors gave her three months to live. But she was a very positive person and I think that's what kept her alive."

Howard said Butterflies would carry on and he would continue to support the group.

He said: "Lynne's message to everyone now would be: 'Never, ever give up'."

When he spoke to The Argus in October, Howard, a lorry driver, said: "Just because my wife has lost her breast, it doesn't make her any less loveable or lovely. I lost all my hair and she still loves me."

Lynne's funeral will be tomorrow at Worthing Crematorium at 3.20pm.

Howard added: "Thursday is going to be the worst day of my life but we have had so many cards and letters and messages of support and that helps."

The family has asked that donations, in lieu of flowers, be made to Butterflies on 01903 285068 or the Cancer Research Campaign.