A FORMER Mayoress of Droitwich Spa and a dedicated campaigner for disabled rights has died.

Sheila Clark suffered a major heart attack at the Westlands home she shared with her husband John and died at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Monday, December 16. She was 60-years-old.

In 1996 and 1997, the couple became well-known faces in the Spa when they took on the roles of town Mayor and Mayoress. Sheila was sole carer for wheelchair-bound John, then a Labour town councillor, and the pair, of Farriers Court, went everywhere together. They were married for 23 years and both have campaigned for disabled rights and served on many committees.

Sheila had been preparing for a Christmas party at a Birmingham children's rehabilitation centre when she suddenly became ill, the Sunday before her death.

John, aged 51, leapt from his wheelchair to resuscitate his much-loved wife but her fight for life ended the next day.

"Sheila was one in a million and has helped me and so many others," he told the Advertiser.

"She worked like a Trojan in the background but never really liked stepping on to the front line."

He said his shy partner was mortified when he was made mayor but she soon blossomed into the role and was loved by many. A short service is planned at Worcester Crematorium at 9.30am on Christmas Eve and a service of thanksgiving will be arranged at the Salvation Army Hall in the New Year. Droitwich Spa Town Council Labour leader, Councillor Peter Pinfield (Droit West) said Sheila was a very popular woman who worked tirelessly for others. He expressed sadness for John and added: "Losing a wife is tragic but John has also lost a best friend and carer."