THE LEGACY of a former councillor who passed away suddenly in April continues to thrive as three local groups receive a cash boost in her memory.

Former Bicester Town mayor Jolanta Lis, who died aged 70, raised more than £6,500 during her mayoral year in 2016-17.

Mrs Lis dedicated her efforts to fundraising at Bicester Carnival, staging a charity golf day, concerts and civic dinners.

She passed away before she was able to present her three chosen charities their share.

The three organisation she chose to support in the town were The Hummingbird Cancer Support and Therapy Centre, Bicester scout groups and the Army Cadet Force.

In a final gift to the town, Mrs Lis' husband Lars and town and district councillor in Bicester Richard Mould presented the cash in her honour at a ceremony on Thursday, July 26, in the Council Chamber, in Garth House.

Mr Mould said she would have been “very proud” to present the cheques to the three groups.

He said: “These local groups were very much a part of those things that Jolanta cared about.

“The Hummingbird which provides support for those suffering from cancer and the Scouts and Cadets, which provide opportunities for our young people, represented those areas that Jolanta wanted to support.

“Jolanta was a very special person who found time for everyone who approached her.

“The enthusiasm with which she dealt with issues raised was infectious and always gave encouragement to those whose problems she was dealing with.

“Her family can be very proud of her.”

Mrs Lis had served as a town councillor since 2011 and was Bicester’s mayor between 2016 and 2017 attending hundreds of events throughout the year and was also elected to Cherwell District Council the same year.

She was Cherwell District Council vice chairman in 2017/18, with the plan to take over as chairman this year.

As well as Mrs Lis' councillor duties, she was a governor at Bicester's Bardwell special School and also an active member of several town organisations including Bicester Rotary Club, St Edburg’s Church and Bicester and District Twinning Association.

She died suddenly in April.