Thank you for taking the time to visit this JustGiving page which is a tribute page to Mavis Smith, known to many as Jinasc on the PMRGCAuk online forum on HealthUnlocked.

This page has been set up with the blessing of Mavis' brother. As a charity, we tried to set it up via our charity account but it doesn't appear possible to create In Memory pages that way so I have set it up on my personal account. A special thank you to PMRPro and DorsetLady for suggesting this as a way for people to leave messages and memories of Mavis and donations, and for helping set this up.

Mavis was one of the original PMR & GCA Fighters who got together in 2008 to set up a charity to support people with these diseases (see link below for Mavis' story in her own words). She was a woman of immense character and determination with a desire to help others. Over the last week since hearing of her death, I've heard stories from many people within the PMR and GCA community - how she took a taxi from Gateshead to London (and back) for that first meeting in London to start a charity, how she would show great kindness to a friend and stories that may have involved a drop of whisky (or two) and a few swear words!

Mavis liked to get things done. She achieved a lot with the North East charity, supporting people and producing a fantastic DVD to help people newly diagnosed. When there was no-one to take over the reins in her latter years, she supported PMRGCAuk, the charity she had been part of in that first London meeting. Until ill health forced her to step back, she was a regular voice on the forum, helping others as she always had done.

People have also asked me about funeral details. Mavis has chosen not to hold a funeral but a simple cremation. For those who know her, a woman who didn't like to create a fuss, this is typical.

Mavis often contacted me with ideas for raising money for PMRGCAuk - even in the last few years, she remained passionate about support being available for people with PMR and GCA, "so nobody is ever alone".

Rest in peace, Mavis. You will be missed.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Mavis, please do so via this page - the money will go straight to PMRGCAuk.

Also, I will be sharing any memories, messages and stories posted here or on HealthUnlocked (on PMRPro and my posts about Mavis), to her brother.

If you didn't see her farewell post on HealthUnlocked, please see this link https://healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk/posts/private/151584943/farewell

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.