A HOST of warm-hearted tributes and messages of condolence have continued to pour in to pay tribute to former Oldham myoress Kathleen Hudson who has died after a short illness aged 82.

Kathleen, who dedicated her life to charity work and civic duties, was wife of veteran Conservative Councillor John Hudson, who also served as mayor of Oldham between 2013 and 2014.

A tribute from Oldham Council said Kathleen lived all her life in Greenfield, and contributed significantly to Saddleworth and the borough as a whole, particularly when it came to offering support to local charities.

As well as being one of the longest serving members of the Saddleworth Charity Committee, she also served as chairman’s lady when John was Saddleworth Parish Chairman – on four occasions – raising thousands of pounds for local good causes.

During their term as mayor and mayoress, John and Kathleen raised more than £56,000 for local charities, an "outstanding amount", said current mayor Cllr Ginny Alexander. Kathleen chaired the local Conservative Ladies Group for many years.

Cllr Alexander said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of Kathleen Hudson’s passing.

“Kathleen radiated warmth and kindness. She was truly devoted to the people of Oldham and has, along with John, raised extraordinary amounts for charity throughout their years of service to the borough.

“Her loss will be felt by many and I pass my sincere condolences onto John, their two daughters and their other family and friends.”

Cllr Jamie Curley, former chairman of Saddleworth Parish Council, said: “we are still in shock following the passing of our dear friend Kathleen Hudson.

“She will be missed greatly by so many people in Saddleworth whose lives she touched. She was a huge figure in the Chairman's Charity Committee and was part of a huge fundraising effort every year to raise money for local charities and was generous with her time, effort and spirit.

“She was a great help to Deborah and I during my time as chairman and nothing was ever too much trouble.

“A constant presence by the side of her husband John she gave freely of her time to help out in the community and support John in his service of the community either as ward councillor or during the four times he was parish council chairman.

“Their 60th Anniversary last year was a special event and showed the great affection there was for this special couple.

“Kathleen's sudden departure from all the lives she touched will leave a great sadness but many happy memories of a dear friend and lovely lady will remain."

Close personal friend Cllr Pam Byrne “I think it was Kathleen who drew me into the Conservative Ladies Association to have much fun fundraising, looking forward to lunches we prepared, sweets we were expected to make because that was what certain supports liked.

“We had fun on outings, but always with a fundraising element. On one trip to Paris we arrived only to discover Kathleen’s suitcase was still on St Mary’s Drive home, John having felt that she was in charge of her own. Many laughs about that one.

“This was before ever I became actively involved in local elected bodies.

I will be forever thankful to Kathleen and "the Ladies" in supporting me in being elected to Saddleworth North Ward.

“She was looking forward to the Chairman’s Charity Fund raising as soon as we were able to return to meeting again and having a pot of tea in my garden on Sunday’s. We will miss you Kathleen but we will not forget you.”