A book of condolence has been opened at Little Bridge House

Little Bridge House in Fremington, north Devon, is the only children's hospice in the region.

It opened in 1995 and was set up by Jill Farwell after two of her three children died from a rare degenerative disease.

Ms Farwell died on Tuesday after battling breast cancer for many years. A memorial service is being organised for later in the autumn.

Inspiration

Books of condolence are being opened for people to sign at Little Bridge House near Barnstaple and the charity's Bristol and Truro offices.

A trust fund is to be set up in memory of Jill Farwell (centre)

The funeral will be a private family affair and the family has requested a preference for donations to be made to CHSW instead of flowers, which will be used to set up a trust fund dedicated to Ms Farwell's memory

Trevor Lloyd, the chair of trustees at the hospice has described Ms Farwell as a woman of immense courage and determination, who inspired those around her.

CHSW, which supports more than 200 children and their families, is building a new hospice near Bristol.

It is hoped the £15m Charlton Farm will open in 2006.