Born: October 30, 1941; Died: January 2; Occupation: Retired community worker and author; Children: Zoe and Rob; Grandchildren: Joel and Carl

A leading light of the Totterdown community has passed away while on holiday, aged 67.

Kate Pollard was visiting her family in Australia when she died on Friday, January 2, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Born in Woking, the grandmother-of-two had lived in Bristol for more than 30 years, and was a well known figure in Totterdown.

She was a founder members of Totterdown Residents Environmental and Social Action, edited the local newsletter and wrote a book about the history of the area, Totterdown Rising.

Miss Pollard qualified as an art teacher at Winchester Art College, but spent many years fundraising on behalf of communities in Bristol.

Among the groups she worked with were Shirehampton Community Centre, the Southville Centre and the Bristol-based puppeteering group Puppet People.

Her mother Jess Foster started the Pendragon Society, a group for enthusiasts of the legend of King Arthur, and Miss Pollard took it over when she died. She was also an amateur archaeologist.

Miss Pollard was separated, and had two children and two grandchildren. Her daughter Zoe lives in Australia and her son Rob lives in New Zealand.

Marie Walker knew Miss Pollard for more than 30 years and paid tribute to her friend. She said: "Kate had such a big personality, she was very strong, a fighter. Even when she was in agony you never knew she was ill.

"Kate was always very caring and was popular with people across the age range.

"She was just a tremendous person."

Miss Pollard's friends will be holding a wake on Saturday in Winscombe, and are planning a memorial music event in the summer in her honour.