A KEEN sportswoman who suffered from a rare form of cancer died last weekend.

Jane Smith, 49, of Links Road, Lowestoft, who suffered from leiomyosarcoma of the uterus, a rare form of sarcoma, died on Friday, November 5.

The cancer starts in fibroids, and the surgeon who operated to remove Mrs Smith’s fibroids said this was the first case he had ever seen.

In the three-and-a-half years since being diagnosed Mrs Smith had three major operations, radiotherapy, and three kinds of chemotherapy.

“She kept very positive, never complained, and always had a smile.

“But we knew there was no cure for this type of cancer,” said her husband, Bob Smith.

Mrs Smith loved her sport and played golf at Rookery Park.

She was also a keen football supporter and travelled to Wembley in 2008 to support Lowestoft Town in the FA Vase final.

Last year she helped raise �1,600 for the Sarcoma Trust when she organised a tournament at Gorleston Golf Club.

More than 40 golfers took part in the tournament and the money was raised through donations by Ronnie Capps, Peter Wooden, Adrian King, the North Sea Petroleum Golf Association (NSPGA) and Barry Westgate, of Westgate Fastenings, together with golf fines and an auction. The weather was attrocious on the day of the tournament but the large number of golfers taking part showed how popular Mrs Smith was among her friends and fellow sports enthusiasts.

Mrs Smith also leaves a 19-year-old daughter, Victoria. Donations in her memory can be sent to Windward House, Links Road, Lowestoft, NR32 4PQ, for the Sarcoma Trust.