Tributes have been paid to a ‘visionary’ charity boss who touched the lives of thousands of people.

Age UK Cheshire East’s chief executive Madelyn Bridge died peacefully on Monday, December 1, aged 67 at The Christie Hospital after battling cancer for six and a half years.

Madelyn, of Little Aston Close in Tytherington, helped transform Age UK Cheshire East after beginning working for the charity as its sole employee in 1988.

In a moving tribute to his wife of 47 years, Fred said: “She was a loving grandmother and mother who made a difference to so many lives.

“Madelyn loved life, champagne, and above all helping others. That’s what drove her forward, the desire to help anyone she could, whether it was older people, her friends or the people she worked alongside.”

Despite having no premises, services, office equipment, and having to work from the boot of her car with a budget of £20,000 Madelyn grew the charity into one which now boasts an annual budget of around £1.8million.

It now has a headquarters on Henderson Street, a Health and Wellbeing Centre, offers two Men in Sheds community groups for older men, four charity shops and a furniture showroom.

On the national stage, Madelyn served on numerous committees and groups, was active on the Age Concern federation and served as the deputy chair of the Age England Association since its inception in 2006. She also played a key role in bringing together more than 25 Age UK charities in the north-west of England in a new initiative.

Madelyn – who loved golf and played at Tytherington and Prestbury - leaves behind husband Fred, sons Steven and Darren, and her three grandchildren Alexandra, Matthew and Molly.

Mike Strutt, chairman on the board of Trustees at Age UK Cheshire East, described Madelyn as ‘visionary, conscientious, forthright, determined and focused’

He said: “The news of Madelyn’s death was received with shock and deep sadness. Madelyn, as will be confirmed by all who knew her, was a visionary.

Madelyn has given long and distinguished service with a drive, determination and belief which never wavered, and her work has touched countless thousands. Her warmth and accessibility has been a support and encouragement to all those who have known her.

“Through her legacy the organisation now has 38 members of staff, 45 home helps and over 260 volunteers, delivering 72 different regular activities, touching the lives of around 1,500 people each week. Thank you Madelyn. Our thoughts and prayers are with Fred and the family at this time.”

A funeral service will take place at 1pm on Tuesday, December 16, at St Peter’s church in Prestbury. The service will be followed by a private committal service for close family at Macclesfield Crematorium.