Tributes have been paid to Halesworth heroine Jane Ringwood, who has died after a two-year battle with cancer.

Eastern Daily Press: Jane Ringwood with her husband Olly on their wedding day. Picture: Courtesy of Denise Kircher.Jane Ringwood with her husband Olly on their wedding day. Picture: Courtesy of Denise Kircher. (Image: Archant)

Mrs Ringwood, 65, was a huge part of town life having founded The Grandparents and Parents Play Association (GAPPA) which raised £40,000 to build a new playground in the town, as well as formerly running the Old Maltings Leisure Club.

Floral tributes have been left at the park in her honour, and the town's Green Flag is flying at half mast.

Mrs Ringwood, known to many as Jane Kircher before marrying her partner Olly in June last year, was diagnosed with lung cancer in March 2015.

Her daughter Denise said: 'Mum founded GAPPA just as she was diagnosed and was going through her first round of chemotherapy. She used it as a focal point to keep positive and do something great for the town.

Eastern Daily Press: Jane Ringwood at the opening of the play area in Halesworth named in her honour. Picture: Archant.Jane Ringwood at the opening of the play area in Halesworth named in her honour. Picture: Archant. (Image: Archant)

'She was always thinking about other people and being a nanny herself she loved seeing all the kids enjoying the park and all the community really pulling together to raise the money. She was really proud to be part of it all.'

Once complete in June 2016, the playground was named in her honour and Mrs Ringwood was also awarded citizen of the year by Halesworth Lions.

Denise said: 'Mum could not have made us more proud. No matter what she was going through she overcame every battle put in her way. She never once projected her suffering to others. It was very admirable and hugely inspiring.'

Mrs Ringwood lived in Halesworth for 30 years and was a former nurse, working at one time at All Hallows Hospital in Ditchingham.

Eastern Daily Press: Halesworth pays tribute to Jane Ringwood. PHOTO: Nick ButcherHalesworth pays tribute to Jane Ringwood. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2017)

She was admitted to hospital a couple of weeks ago, and died peacefully on February 23 with her family by her side.

She leaves behind her husband Olly, children Denise and David, grandchildren Daisy, Matilda, Cerys and Riley, mother Maisie and sisters Carol and Jill.

Denise said: 'She loved spending time with her family and she was a real social butterfly.

'Everyone has always known mum for her laugh. Lots of the tributes have referred to her as 'Simply the Best' because she was a big Tina Turner fan and she would always be up singing and dancing to that song.

Eastern Daily Press: Halesworth pays tribute to Jane Ringwood. PHOTO: Nick ButcherHalesworth pays tribute to Jane Ringwood. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2017)

'We are so grateful for all the love and support people have shown throughout her journey and now after.'

Eastern Daily Press: Jane Ringwood on her wedding day with her daughter Denise, husband Olly and son David. Picture: Courtesy of Denise Kircher.Jane Ringwood on her wedding day with her daughter Denise, husband Olly and son David. Picture: Courtesy of Denise Kircher. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Jane Ringwood with her sisters Carol and Jill and mum Maisie. Picture: Courtesy of Denise Kircher.Jane Ringwood with her sisters Carol and Jill and mum Maisie. Picture: Courtesy of Denise Kircher. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Jane Ringwood with her granddaughters Matilda and Daisy. Picture: Courtesy of Denise Kircher.Jane Ringwood with her granddaughters Matilda and Daisy. Picture: Courtesy of Denise Kircher. (Image: Archant)