An Ealing woman has been hailed a "wonderful person" following her death just weeks after being named Middlesex FA Volunteer of the Year.

Cherie Proverbs died of cancer on June 4 after volunteering at Acton Ealing Whistlers Football Club (AEWFC), Hanger Hill, for 24 years.

Only a few weeks earlier, the 53-year-old, who lived in Ealing her whole life, was named the Middlesex FA Volunteer of the Year. She died before she could receive the award.

Her journey with the club began when son Wesley Proverbs joined the club in 1988, prompting her to volunteer.

The platform also saw her play a key role in the clubs move from Southfields Park to their new ground in Hillcrest Road in 2001.

'She was so proud'

Brother Peter Proverbs, who has been club secretary for 15 years, said the Greenford resident will be sorely missed by family and everyone at the club.

The project manager, who has lived in Northolt for 26 years, said: "She was the most caring and wonderful person.

"I had never loved football, but 15 years ago she invited me there and then the next thing I know I'm helping to run the team.

"Everyone knew her down there and everybody loved her.

"Her eldest son started playing and she just wanted to get involved - it was something for her to put back into the community.

"If someone had a question and needed an answer, she had an answer.

"When she was told she'd won the award she cried her eyes out, she was so proud".

From left to right: Granddaughter Freya Proverbs, son Curtis Proverbs, Cherie Proverbs, mum Mary Proverbs and son Wesley Proverbs

Along with Peter, Cherie leaves behind her partner, sons Curtis and Wesley, sisters Amanda and Jewel Proverbs, brother Kieron, granddaughter Freya Proverbs and dad Ron Proverbs.

Over the course of her spell at AEWFC Cherie helped wash kits, give players lifts and organised fixtures to keep the club running.

She also volunteered in the kitchen, organised events, raffles and, when the club moved to their ground in Hillcrest Road, she was said to be the first one there with a paint brush.

And not only was she a volunteer for AEWFC, but she was also the club secretary, league delegate and fixtures secretary for Actual Soccer FC, who play at the same ground, over the last five years.

Cherie also came runner up in the Greater London Community Award, which rounded up the winners of the FA Volunteer awards across London.

'You will be deeply missed but greatly remembered'

AEWFC board member, Elaine Caffary, added: "AEWFC has lost a true treasure.

"Cherie Proverbs is an institution in her own right within the club and will be deeply missed by so many, not least the thousands of children who have eaten her legendary chips and burgers over the years.

"It isn't often in life you come across people who are so giving and so selfless, true gems.

"People who mean so much to so many, Cherie Proverbs was undoubtedly one of these people.

"AEWFC sends its heartfelt condolences to her family at this difficult time of such loss.

"Cherie Proverbs rest in peace. You will be deeply missed but greatly remembered".