Tributes paid to ‘amazing’ Annie who dedicated final days to raising money for charity

Tributes have been paid to an ‘amazing’ 39-year-old mother-of-one who dedicated her final days to raising money for charity after being diagnosed with terminal cancer following a holiday slip.

Annie Dennis, of Livermere Road, Great Barton, died on Monday March 7 after a ten month battle with kidney cancer.

Her mum Pam Dennis said she didn’t realise how many lives her daughter had touched until their family home began filling with flowers.

“Everybody loved Annie, I only fully realise afterwards how much she was loved,” she said.

“She was a really special girl.”

Annie was diagnosed with terminal cancer after she slipped over on holiday last February.

She was full of love and laughter

She fractured her hip and broke the bone completely a few weeks later when pushing a barrow at home.

But her injury took much longer to heal than expected and Annie was eventually taken to hospital for a CT scan.

It was then discovered she had advanced renal cancer and a three inch tumour in her kidney. Annie didn’t let the news get her down and embarked on a mission to raise thousands of pounds for MacMillan Cancer Support including a big garden tea party at her family home which attracted more than 200 people, raising more than £3,100.

Pam said Annie, who ran Happy Hounds dog grooming parlour in Eastgate Street, Bury, was an inspiration.

“She was just such a fantastic girl - even up to the end she was amazing,” she said.

“The staff at the hospital had asked if Annie wanted a side room on her own but the others on the ward said they wanted her to stay, that she had really brought their spirits up.

“She was full of love and laughter.”

Annie’s father Tom said there was a serious health message to Annie’s story and stressed the importance of seeking medical advice if you spot blood in your urine.

Annie’s funeral is taking place at 11.30am at Holy Innocents Church in Great Barton on Monday April 4.

Pam said the family plan to hold a fund-raising event in the future in honour of Annie.