A WOMAN who lit up Whitstable in life continued to dazzle in death as her pink hearse, with musical accompaniment, made its way along Whitstable High Street.

Shoppers and traders stopped to enjoy the lively, emotional and colourful cortege for

Happy day: Sandie joins in with close friend Nigel Hobbins at her civil partnership reception
Respect: Friends play as the pink hearse makes its way through town WhitstableWTEM111110sandieagain
Pink hearse: Sandie spotted the hearse three weeks before she died and son darrell tracked the company downWTEM111110sandie.3.jpg

Sandra "Sandie" Back, who died from breast cancer at the Pilgrims Hospice on October 28. She was 57.

The celebration of her life continued with a wake which included fireworks, at Belmont Football Club on Wednesday.

It had been standing-room only for the funeral service at Barham crematorium.

Sandie's effervescent character and vivid fashion sense made her a much loved and admired character in Whitstable, the town she took to heart

Born in Woking, Sandie's family had moved to Howe Barracks married quarters and they later went to live in Chartham.

Sandie married Clive Back as a teenager and had two children, Maxine and Darrell, moving to Whitstable after her divorce.

She later met John and the couple had daughter Jessica.

Last year Sandie married Esther Russell in a civil partnership ceremony at Canterbury register office.

Sandie became involved in social work mediation with children who were at risk. She later trained as an alternative therapist at Thanet College.

Sandie was first diagnosed with a rare breast cancer, Paget's disease, 10 years ago, undergoing radical surgery and chemotherapy. Sadly her illness returned around three years ago.

Due to ill health, Sandie was unable to continue with therapy treatments and volunteered at local charity shops. She was also a familiar face behind the counter at Moasaic in the High Street.

Sandie was a prolific fund raiser for various cancer charities, Breast Cancer care, Odyssey, Copper Feel and the Lavender Trust.

The wake raised £800 for the Pilgrims Hospice through the sale of Chinese lanterns.

Daughter Jessica said: "Mum loved Whitstable and she was very well known."

Veronica Gaynor, proprietor of Tea and Times in the High Street, said: "Quite simply, Sandie was a Whitstable Pearl."

Sandie leaves her partner Esther, her children and three grandchildren.

SANDIE'S family is delighted her fabulous wardrobe of vintage clothing is to be auctioned at the Pilgrims Hospice pre-loved fashion show and swap shop on Saturday. The event takes place at Chaucer Technology College, Spring Lane, Canterbury, from 6pm.

The fashion show is made up entirely from donated items. Bring your own pre-loved clothes along to swap on the night.

Tickets are £7 in advance or £9 on the door. Contact Laura on 07849994046 or Charlotte at Charlotteterry@hotmail.com