HIGHLIGHTING the positive impact that one woman had in the community, residents and employees lined the streets to pay their respects to a much-loved mum, nan, and volunteer.

A huge part of St George's Church in Atherton, Valerie Bunting volunteered and fundraised for the church for the best part of 60 years.

Along with her husband James, Valerie became a popular and friendly face as she helped to bring the community together with organised dances, fundraising events, craft activities and coffee mornings at the church.

A dedicated worker, Valerie also became well known for her 37 years of service at Yates and Greer butchers on Market Street in Atherton, before she sadly passed away following a brain haemorrhage, aged 69, on June 25.

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Leigh Journal: Valerie was a much-loved member of the communityValerie was a much-loved member of the community (Image: Shelley Marie)

Highlighting the positive impact that Valerie had in the community, more than 200 people came out to Valerie's funeral, while workers and residents lined Atherton's high street to pay their respects as her hearse travelled past on July 5.

Continually wishing to help others, the Bunting family asked for donations at Valerie's funeral and managed to raise a huge £1660.

Due to Valerie's decades of volunteer work with St George's Church and her family connection to Wigan and Leigh Hospice, this money has been split evenly with £830 handed out to each organisation.

As the donations were announced on social media, countless more tributes were paid from those who knew Valerie, which again showed her stature in the community.

Leigh Journal: James handing over a cheque to Wigan and Leigh HospiceJames handing over a cheque to Wigan and Leigh Hospice (Image: Wigan and Leigh Hospice)

After celebrating his golden wedding anniversary with Valerie last year, her husband James said: "The church was packed for Valerie's funeral, which just shows how loved she was.

"She fully supported me in volunteering with the church and constantly gave me ideas and support. She would do anything for anyone."

Valerie's daughter Shelley added: "Mum was one in a million. My heart aches in a way I never felt possible, every moment of every day is a challenge.

"As a family we are strong and take sanctuary in the fact that mum lives on in her family her friends and our community."