CHARITY champion Sarah Frank has died from cancer - just two months after enjoying a dream wedding with the man of her life.

Friends have paid tribute to the 41-year-old York woman, who even raised almost £500 for York Against Cancer at her wedding in March by putting collection boxes on the candy cart.

Well-wishers had decided to give Sarah something back by offering her and groom Simon Starkey, of Heworth, a free wedding car, venue decoration, waiters, butler, hair and make-up, magic entertainment, photography and video.

Her friend Kirsty Perkins, who organised the wedding, said the couple had wanted a day that was a celebration of all they loved: good food, good drink and good friends, and they were surrounded by them.

“One of the most important elements of the day was having her dad walk her down the aisle, which he did proudly,” she said.

“This has also become even more poignant as her dad, who suffered from Parkinson’s Disease, also died just two weeks after the wedding.

“Simon was the love of Sarah’s life and her soulmate. Making those vows in front of everyone they loved was such a special thing for them both and Sarah loved every moment of the day.”

Kirsty said Sarah, by her own description, had been ‘loud and bright and gobby,’ adding: “She would do anything for anybody, just an all round lovely girl.

“She was the most selfless person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, she never moaned or complained, she just wanted to make sure others were happy and cared for. I will miss her terribly.”

Sarah’s mother Margaret said: “She was Simon’s wife but will always be my little girl. She touched the lives of so many and leaves a huge void in all our lives and is very sadly missed.”

Sarah, who had been with Simon for 13 years, said at the time of the wedding that while marriage had always been on the cards, her cancer diagnosis had brought the planning forward.

“When life takes a different turn, you suddenly realise what’s important to you and what you would really like to do,” she said.

“It was always important to us that the wedding would be a celebration of all the wonderful people we have around us and that’s exactly what it was.”

*Sarah’s funeral takes place at 1pm on Friday, May 25, at York Crematorium, with the collection raising funds for York Against Cancer and York Hospital Ward 31, where she was treated.