Today’s funeral of courageous cancer victim Anna Louise Swabey, the ‘truly inspirational’ 25 year old from Newton Aycliffe whose tireless campaign on behalf of the Brain Tumour Research charity has been reported around the world, was designed to be a colourful affair. In line with Anna’s wishes, those who gathered at Wear Valley Crematorium to say their final farewells were asked to wear bright clothing. Black ties were banned. “Anna wanted her funeral to be a celebration of her life and not a sombre affair”, said her sister, Victoria, this week. There was also a request for no flowers. Instead, friends, well-wishers and supporters of Anna’s untiring efforts for the Brain Tumour Research charity were asked to make a donation towards the work of BTR and Marie Curie. Anna always hoped to raise £100,000 before her death to fund more research into brain tumours. As Newton News went to press, her efforts had already brought in around £98,000. Few people doubt that her target figure will be exceeded by a substantial amount. Anna, who had been battling the most aggressive form of brain cancer for the past 20 months, died peacefully at her Newton Aycliffe home in the early hours of Friday, September 16th, surrounded by her close family. She was to have been married to the love of her life, fiancé Andy Bell, the following day. In a statement shortly after her death, the family said: “We cannot put into words the heartbreak we all feel, but amongst our sadness, we are so proud of Anna’s courage, her spirit and the determination she showed throughout her illness. If ever there was a person to show us how to live, it’s Anna Louise Swabey, our beautiful, brave girl.” Tributes immediately flooded social media websites with people throughout the UK and overseas praising Anna’s determination to ‘make a difference’ before her death and recognising her very special qualities. News of Anna’s death, though not unexpected, caused particular sadness among members of the Rotary Club of Newton Aycliffe where Anna was an honorary member. They had followed closely her fight against the brain tumour she always knew would eventually cause her death and which, with her typical sense of humour, she called ‘Trev’. Rotary President Nora Scott told Newton News: “Members took Anna to their hearts from the moment she came to the club to talk about her campaign to raise awareness of the need for more government funding for brain tumour research. Everyone was impressed by her determination not only to secure a better deal for other brain tumour victims but also to battle her illness – even though she knew that no new treatment of any kind would benefit her personally. Anna was an example to us all how to overcome our problems and work and feel for others. She was a truly inspirational young woman.” Earlier this year, Anna’s outstanding efforts on behalf of the brain tumour campaign earned her a coveted Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland “UK Young Citizen of the Year” award and a Durham County Council Chairman’s Medal. Only three days before her death, it was revealed that Anna was to be presented with Rotary International’s highest honour – a Paul Harris Fellowship from Newton Aycliffe Rotary Club – for outstanding service.   It is planned to make the presentation to Anna’s family sometime in the near future. Anyone wishing to donate to Anna’s fund for Brain Tumour Research can do so by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/InsideMyHead Ron Eyley, Rotary Club P.R.O