PENARTH charity shop manager, Gillian Jakob, was without doubt one in a million.

Gill, who died on June 27, was a well-known and popular member of the town’s retail scene. She was manager of the Tenovus shop, having worked for the Cardiff-based cancer charity since the Penarth branch opened.

She became an area support manager, giving help, advice and encouragement to other branch managers of Tenovus in South Wales.

During her years at the helm the Penarth branch has raised more than £1 million pounds for the cancer charity.

In a devastating turn of fate Gill herself fell victim to cancer.

Gill was very well loved in the community. Her dedication to Tenovus seemed boundless. She would organise all manner of fundraising events from fashion shows, craft fairs, concerts, quizzes and raffles.

Gill was a loving wife and mother. Happily, she was well enough to shine as 'mother of the bride' at her daughter Lucy’s wedding in May.

She was a valuable member of the Penarth Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS) team, variously as wardrobe mistress, publicity officer, barmaid and even reluctantly on stage, as a gorilla and the front half of a pantomime cow.

Gill's life was rich and varied. She loved holidays at home and abroad, and the photograph shows her on holiday in Cornwall, a favourite location.

She will be greatly missed. Her family and friends will have their own special memories of the fun times Gill seemed to generate on many occasions.

Donations to Tenovus in memory of Gill would be welcomed.

Please help her family to raise a significant sum in favour of the charity that was so dear to her heart.