An inspirational breast cancer campaigner has lost her fight against the disease.

Emma Freeborn - who raised tens of thousands of pounds for cancer charities, and took her campaign to raise awareness about the disease to Downing Street and Buckingham Palace - died at her home in South Croydon on February 4 at the age of 34.

She was diagnosed in February 2005 with breast cancer at the age of 27, just a month after she got engaged to then fiancé David Freeborn.

After treatment she hoped had beaten the cancer, she spent some time cancer free, but started to feel pain in her back while on her honeymoon in September 2006.

Tests found the cancer had returned and spread, and as secondary breast cancer was now terminal.

But instead of letting the disease beat her she became a committed campaigner and fundraiser for cancer charities Breast Cancer Campaign and Breast Cancer Care.

Over the following years she personally raised tens of thousands of pounds for research and to raise awareness, while becoming a key figurehead and spokeswoman for the two charities.

The civil servant was invited to speak to then Prime Minister Gordon Brown's wife Sarah Brown at 10 Downing Street, and to visit Buckingham Palace to promote the campaigns.

She raised money through organising charity balls, and walked the Great Wall of China with best friend Laura Holgat, raising more than £20,000.

They won an award from Cosmopolitan magazine for their endeavours for having the "ultimate friendship".

Widower David Freeborn, a teacher at Bandon Hill Primary in Wallington, said: "Emma was very strong, she was clear the cancer was not going to rule our lives."

"Life was so fun, she was so brave, she did everything she wanted. We packed more into the past seven years than some do in their lifetimes."

The couple lived for many years in Sutton and Belmont. Mrs Freeborn ran the 1st Belmont guide group, which she saved from closure, and helped fundraise for the Royal Marsden Hospital.

Mr Freeborn said many people had been in touch to say how inspirational Mrs Freeborn had been to them.

He plans to continue his wife’s fundraising work by running 100 marathons.

A memorial service was held for Mrs Freeborn at St John’s Church, Belmont on Monday.