A LOVING mother-of-three who devoted her life caring for others has died of a rare heart disease at the age of 56.

Inspirational Karen Farminer, who lived in Laindon, dedicated her waking hours to supporting patients who shared her condition, primary pulmonary hypertension.

Following her diagnosis, Karen tirelessly served a charity by providing support to patients, some of whom were suicidal, via her computer and phone.

Her youngest daughter Leanne Bisson, 27, said: “Mum was strong, courageous, and an angel in her own right – the most loving mother anyone could hope for.

“After she was diagnosed 27 years ago she was still always laughing, always happy.

“She would always put others before herself – a true inspiration.”

Leanne told how her mother, who donated her time to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association charity, would even leave the dinner table to speak to patients suffering lowmoods.

Primary pulmonary hypertension is a disease where added pressure is put on the pulmonary artery, with no apparent cause.

Karen died unexpectedly during a fitness class for patients with heart and lung conditions at Noak Bridge Village Hall, in Coppice Lane, on Friday.

Ambulance crews and the Essex Air Ambulance were called after Karen became pale and complained to a friend she felt cold. But she fainted in a paramedic’s arms, which is when her heart stopped, according to Leanne.

Medics tried to revive her for almost an hour but she was declared dead at the scene.

The family have spoken out to thank the emergency services for their “incredible efforts”.

Karen leaves behind her husband Jez Farminer, who she was married to for almost ten years.

She is also survived by daughters Leanne Bisson, Sarah Newby and Eloise Clarke and parents Joseph and Beryl.

Daughter Leanne has asked for those who knew Karen to email leannejessica@gmail.

com for further details of the funeral.