A MUM who dedicated 18 years to the Worcester Sea Cadets has been described as having a huge impact in helping the charity.

Paula Dyde, former chair of Worcester Sea Cadets, has been remembered for her "many selfless and worthy deeds" following her death on December 31. 

She is missed by and survived by her husband Terry, children Phillip, Erica, Richard and Jack, her mum Margaret, sister Debbie, brother Mark, her grandchildren and everyone at Worcester Sea Cadets.

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Denise Harvey, who spoke on behalf of Worcester Sea Cadets, said: "Paula made a huge impact in turning the unit around financially, increasing cadet numbers and raising awareness of the unit within the local community.

"There are many selfless and worthy deeds that Paula performed during her voluntary career.

"From organising fundraising with the National Pony Society, CO-OP, ASDA, Tesco, plus many more, to raising thousands of pounds to refurbish our Diglis unit with accessible facilities.

"Even giving a cadet a hand with sewing badges, as a minibus driver and much more.

"Paula was never afraid to get stuck in."

Mrs Dyde, who died aged 65, first joined the sea cadet unit back in 2004 as a parent to a newly enrolled cadet, Jack.

Her aim was to give support to a unit that, at the time, was struggling financially.

Mrs Dyde has been described as working tirelessly during her tenure alongside four different commanding officers, Rob Mountford, Paul Ormsby, Rob McCarthy and Martin Griffiths.

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She saw hundreds of young people come into the unit and achieve great things during and after their Sea Cadet experience.

Ms Harvey added: "We are all truly saddened by the loss of Paula, who died with her family around her on New Year’s Eve.

"She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered."

Mrs Dyde's funeral will take place at Worcester Crematorium on Tuesday, January 24 at 10.45am.

All are welcome and the family has requested that the dress code is whatever people feel comfortable in, but as a tribute to Mrs Dyde, people are invited to wear something bold or bright.