An 'incredible woman' who transformed peoples' lives welcomed her friends on Friday to the Sanctuary Room at Thames Hospice - where she now lives after a long battle against cancer.

Aksa Marshal became a legend after founding the Meet and Mingle Mingle group in Slough aimed at bringing together isolated Asian ladies who wanted to make friends.

The group took off and Mrs Marshal organised an amazing range of trips and outings for her members before becoming ill.

Even when she was undergoing treatment for the disease she continued to play a large part in the running of the group.

About 200 members from the group visited her at the hospice in Hatch Lane - and in keeping with the Meet and Mingle ethos they had raised £600 which was presented to its chief executive Debbie Raven.

The money was gratefully received by the hospice which relies on public subscriptions.

Stephanie Peters, head of marketing at the hospice, said: "Mrs Marshal is an incredible woman.

"So many people were concerned about her and wanted to see her because she had touched their lives. There were so many that they came in in groups.

"Our chief executive was there and the doctor who answered everybody's questions.

"It was an informal occasion and Mrs Marshal was comfortable in a reclining chair where she was able to chat with all her friends."