POPULAR Borehamwood resident Sheila Kaye has died of cancer following a five-year battle with the disease. The 58-year-old mother-of-five died early Sunday morning surrounded by her daughters at Barnet General Hospital.

Mrs Kaye's eldest daughter, Samantha Hatton, said her mother's death had come as a shock to the whole family, even though her health had been steadily declining in the past two years.

She said: "It happened so quickly. We'd all been to a family barbeque the previous day and then suddenly she was admitted to hospital." Ms Kaye died a week later.

Born in Edmonton in 1951, Mrs Kaye moved to the Organ Hall Estate in Stainer Road, Borehamwood in 1983.

An Avon Lady until her diagnosis in 2005, Mrs Kaye became a well known and much loved member of the community.

"She seemed to collect people," said Mrs Hatton.

"There are many, many people in Borehamwood of all ages, who knew and loved her. Everyone will remember her, especially her distinctive laugh."

As Mrs Kaye's cancer gradually got worse, neighbours and friends came together to offer support and help - something her family is eternally grateful for.

Mrs Hatton said: "We want to thank all of her neighbours. They were so good to her over the last few years, bringing her food, taking my younger brother to school, offering to go round to the shops. Little acts of kindness, it has really meant a lot to us."

Mrs Kaye was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005. In 2006 she was one of a handful of people to undergo an experimental operation using cryogenics, to freeze the cancerous tumour in her lung.

Although the procedure is no longer used, Mrs Kaye's family like to believe it gave her an extra lease on life.

"We'd like to hope the operation helped give us an extra four years with her, but we really don't know. She was such a brave lady, she has been through so much, but she was always so cheery and positive," said Mrs Hatton.

Mrs Kaye leaves behind four adult daughters and an 11-year-old son, along with two grand-daughters.

Three of her four daughters will be running this year's Race for Life, on July 19, with all proceeds from the charity marathon going towards cancer research.

"We've been running the Race for Life for the past three years, but this year we will be running especially for mum," said Mrs Hatton.

Mrs Kaye's funeral will be held on Wednesday at Enfield Crematorium at 11am followed by a small gathering at The Old Manor, Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar.

Her family have requested instead of flowers, donations be made to their Race for Life team, aptly named Sheila's Girls, at http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/sheilakayesgirls.