Family, friends and work colleagues have expressed grief at the sudden death of a woman regarded as a "friend to everyone".

Scores of mourners were expected at the funeral of Christine Martindale today who died after undergoing surgery to repair damage caused by a brain haemorrhage and aneurysm.

Christine, 47, known as Chris, was well known at Abbey National House in Bradford for her work representing colleagues as a union rep.

And at home in Horton Bank Top, Bradford, she helped organise street parties each year and co-ordinated Neighbourhood Watch schemes across the Bradford South area.

Zoe Martindale, 27, her only child, said: "She was my best friend and a soul mate, we did so much together. She took me in when I had my son and we've stayed for eight years.

"She was the life and soul and she'll be missed by so many people."

Chris, who helped care for her daughter's son Nathaniel, eight, left work early on Thursday, January 13, feeling ill.

After visiting her sister Noreen she collapsed and was rushed to Bradford Royal Infirmary before being transferred to Leeds General Infirmary.

She was conscious for two days before surgery on the Saturday when she died.

Zoe, who works at Morrisons supermarket in Westgate, Bradford, said her mother's work as a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator often resulted in her helping to crack crime.

In 1988 she was given an award by the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire for helping police catch some car thieves in her street.

And Zoe said much of her spare time was taken up by union business.

She said: "She loved her union work and she travelled all over the country. She was the type of person who would stick up for others, you couldn't help but be her friend."

Neighbour Fraser Tordoff said: "You couldn't meet Chris and claim she was an acquaintance, you couldn't help but be her friend.

"She'll leave a big hole around here that won't be filled."

And Ian Waugh, telephone department manager at Abbey National, said: "Chris was well liked and respected. She championed the causes of other people who came to her for advice."

Chris also leaves brothers Steve and Mike McGlynn, sister Juanita and mother Edith.

A service was due to be held at St Joseph's RC Church in Little Horton followed by cremation at Scholemoor Cemetery. Colleagues from Abbey National in Bradford were expected to speak at the service.

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