INSPIRATIONAL campaigner Anna Swabey who has had almost £100,000 raised in her name was to be presented with a prestigious international award.

Just three days before the bride-to-be died at her home on Friday, it was revealed the 25-year-old was to receive Rotary International’s highest honour.

The Paul Harris Fellowship was awarded to the former York school girl who died nearly two years after being diagnosed with a brain tumour for her outstanding service.

The former York College and Mount School pupil, who lived at Newton Aycliffe and blogged about her illness, helped raise thousands for the Brain Tumour Research Campaign (BTRC) and promoted awareness of the disease.

Newton Aycliffe Rotary Club, of which she was made an honourary member this year, is planning to make a presentation to her family in the near future.

Club president Nora Scott said: “Members took Anna to their hearts from the moment she came to the club to talk about her campaign to raise awareness of the need for more government funding for brain tumour research.

“Everyone was impressed by her clear determination not only to secure a better deal for other brain tumour victims but also to battle her illness even though she knew that no new treatment of any kind would benefit her personally.

“Anna was an example to us all how to overcome our problems and work and feel for others. She was a truly inspirational young woman.”

Her fundraising earned her awards earlier this year including Rotary International’s UK Young Citizen of the Year.

Miss Swabey and her fiancé Andy Bell were due to be married last Saturday.

Family and friends are invited to her funeral this Friday at the Wear Valley Crematorium, in Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, at 10am.

A gathering at Woodham Golf Club, in Newton Aycliffe, will follow. The family has asked funeral-goers to wear bright colours and no black.

Those wishing to bring flowers are asked to donate towards Miss Swabey’s running total for the BTRC and to Marie Curie.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/InsideMyHead