Dartford charity founder Ann O'Brien remembered as wonderful person who changed lives
The founder of a disabled charity will be remembered as a "wonderful person" who was devoted to helping others.
Ann O'Brien passed away earlier this month after a battle with cancer, but will live long in the memories of those whose lives she changed through establishing North Kent Disabled Foundation.
Mrs O'Brien set up the foundation alongside husband Danny following the closure of Dartford’s Queen Elizabeth Foundation (QEF) Resource Centre in 2008, and their efforts led to the foundation being named Messenger's Charity of the Year in 2018.
The work also led to Ann, who lived in Meopham, receiving a Dartfordian Award - presented to those whose work makes an impact on the life of people in Dartford.
NKDF trustee and friend of Mrs O'Brien, James Willis said her legacy would live on through the charity's work.
"She was a wonderful, wonderful character," he said. "Her and Danny her husband set up North Kent Disabled Foundation when KCC were trying to shut their service down - they got their own minibus and they have a centre.
"They kept it going, and they put everyone else before themselves - they've always done that.
"She worked tirelessly for other people and set up services for people with disabilities."
He said the service was particularly valued as it was funded and controlled by people with disabilities, and gave people a chance to achieve something in life.
"It got people back into work," he added. "For people that have suffered from strokes, it gave them something to get up in the morning for. The minibus allowed people to get out without relying on their partners and carers.
"She was very determined to get the job done.
"She was firm but caring."
Mrs O'Brien's funeral will be held at St John the Baptist Church in Meopham on Monday June 3, at 12.30pm