The family of a tireless campaigner, who died last month, have described her as “ahead of her time” and welcomed a call to name a bridge after her.

Brenda Chester died at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford on Saturday, March 16, aged 71.

Brenda was born in Kent in 1948 and was raised in Faversham when her father, Harry Chester, returned from serving on the HMS Nigeria during the Second World War.

After attending grammar school, Brenda moved to London and joined ABC news in the 1970s and later ran its office in Cairo.

As the 1990s got into gear, Brenda went to work in Qatar for the Alfardan Group.

Speaking to KentOnline's sister paper Faversham News, Brenda’s son Karim said she had “touched a lot of lives”.

He said: “Mum was my rock and inspiration throughout life, and it’s fair to say was many other people’s corner woman for their own lives and causes.

“She lead a life of travel and experiences that would be a great read if her life story was made into a book.

“Mum’s most happy and fulfilling times were living in the middle east for more than 10 years, where she also met my father.”

Brenda later moved back to Faversham, where she became heavily involved in health campaigns and movements to replace the Creek swing bridge.

Mr Chester added: “In later life, her passion for Faversham and helping people and institutions of the town meant she touched a lot of people’s lives and has left a huge legacy.

“Mum was always the champion for the disadvantaged in her tireless campaign to make life better for the many.

“She was a loving but tough mum to me, doting grandma to Laila, and a loyal friend to many.

“I am glad God gave me and other close family and friends the opportunity to be with her at the end, and give her a peaceful and happy transition to the next life, right next to her passed loved ones at God’s side.”

Brenda’s funeral will be held at Barham crematorium on Wednesday, April 3, at 2.40pm.

It will be followed by a wake at Oyster Bay House at 3.45pm, which has been donated for use by friend and fellow campaigner Brian Pain to celebrate Brenda’s love of the Creek.

Brenda’s daughter-in-law, Hannah Platts, added: “In terms of her local work in the community, Brenda wasn’t afraid to take anyone or anything on. If she felt injustice of any kind she’d fight.

“When Brenda went to work for the Alfardan Group, this was her and Karim’s most happiest time together as mother and son. Alfardans were, and still are, one of the most powerful families in Qatar.

"She led a rich and colourful life, but Faversham was her home and where she returned to.

“Brenda was quite ahead of her time with the 1970s and 80s being a male dominated world and her taking off and going to the Middle East to run an office, learning a new language. Lots of people at the time thought she was crazy. “Total feminist.

“She definitely did not adhere to the old woman’s place is in the home rhetoric of that time and that is something I applaud. and I have no doubt Brenda’s granddaughter Laila will break some boundaries of her own.”

“Obviously it would be lovely (to name the bridge after Brenda) but so many people have and are working on it.

“However, Brenda was so passionate about the town and intent on making it better for everyone that lived in Faversham, so it would be a lovely tribute.”