A PILLAR of the Hexham community who dedicated her life to others has died.

Fiona Park, 60, had returned from a bike ride with her husband Neil Park, when she died following a sudden and unexpected heart attack on Sunday.

"There were no signs of it. We'd just spent a lovely two hours on an e-bike ride which I'll always treasure as a memory," Neil said.

Hexham Courant: FAMILY: Fiona with eldest grandchild Lillie aged 4, and Sophie aged 1. Image: The Park familyFAMILY: Fiona with eldest grandchild Lillie aged 4, and Sophie aged 1. Image: The Park family

Neil said Fiona had childminded more than 100 children and was a dedicated volunteer for the dementia charity Chrysalis, Oxfam's shop in Hexham, and the popular Tyne Green Park Run.

"It was so out of the blue, she was taken far too young," he said.

Hexham Courant: RUN: Fiona dressed up for one of the Tyne Green Park Runs. Image: The Park familyRUN: Fiona dressed up for one of the Tyne Green Park Runs. Image: The Park family

They had lived in Hexham since 1993, and Neil said: "Both of us loved Hexham to bits."

Claire Knowles, a run director at Tyne Green Park Run, said: "Fiona was a much loved member of the park run family. She was there from the very beginning when her husband Neil started Tyne Green Park Run."

Hexham Courant: FAMILY: Fiona and her granddaughter Lillie. Image: The Park familyFAMILY: Fiona and her granddaughter Lillie. Image: The Park family

"She enjoyed tail walking, ensuring no parkrunner finished last. The whole Tyne Green Park Run team is incredibly sad and will miss Fiona terribly. She will, however, forever be with us in spirit.

Neil said: "She just loved life, her family, and friends. She was beautiful outside and inside and was loving and caring. She loved knitting for our grandchildren and creative writing."

Hexham Courant: LOVE: Fiona and her husband Neil. Image: The Park familyLOVE: Fiona and her husband Neil. Image: The Park family

She attended Swanwick Writers' Summer School which Neil said 'was an absolute joy for her'.

"She couldn't wait for annual booking to reopen, ensuring she was ready to secure a beloved place," he said.

Last year was particularly successful for her. 

"Her Thespian skill showed and she won first place which surprised and delighted her," he said. "I know she made so many valued friends there - too numerous to mention by name – you know who you are."

At school, Fiona represented Cumbria in hockey.

Hexham Courant: VOLUNTEER: Fiona Park. Image: The Park familyVOLUNTEER: Fiona Park. Image: The Park family

Fiona and Neil had a treasured holiday home at Ullswater, where they enjoyed fellwalking. He said they also loved the Queen's Hall and the Forum Cinema.

"She loved her family, " he said. "She leaves our children and son in-laws, Helen, George, David, Hannah and Tom. Plus me, of course, her devoted husband of so very nearly 40 years."

Neil said her cremation will take place at Newcastle Crematorium on Monday, May 9 at 3pm, and friends are welcome.