'Honour and privilege' of knowing Dr Kate Granger

That was just one of the tributes paid to Dr Kate Granger, who died on Saturday.

The consultant, who was diagnosed with incurable cancer five years ago, passed away at St Gemma’s Hospice in Moortown, with her husband Chris Pointon and her loved ones by her side.

Only a few days ago the couple reached their fundraising target by collecting £250,000 for the Leeds-based Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal, which Dr Granger was determined to reach before she died.

Sheila O’Shea, director of the appeal, said all involved were terribly sad at her death.

“We are so sad to lose a lovely lady, who became a great friend and advocate for our appeal. We are very proud of her legacy to the Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal.

“We are honoured and privileged to have known her and worked with her. She wasn’t just one in a million, she was one in 10 million.

“She will be in our hearts and thoughts for a long time.”

The money raised will help improve care for cancer patients at St James’s Hospital by providing home comforts, brightening the environment and funding equipment and research.

Mrs O’Shea said the impact of the fundraising, and especially of Dr Granger’s #hellomynameis campaign, was huge.

“He contribution has been vast and her legacy will continue,” she added.

Julian Hartley, chief executive at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “She has been an inspiration to so many people during her all too short life and has achieved so much.

“Kate was an outstanding doctor here in Leeds, a committed fundraiser for our Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal and a true champion for patients everywhere.

“I spent a great deal of time with Kate whilst promoting #hellomynameis at Leeds and was hugely impressed by her tireless commitment to improve things for the better. Her campaign started as a result of her experience as a patient in Leeds and I am proud that almost 13,000 members of our staff have now signed up and pledged their support to her lasting legacy.”

St Gemma’s Hospice tweeted that it was their “privilege” to care for Kate, Chris and their loved ones.

Other tributes included one from the chief executive of NHS Employers Danny Mortimer who said Dr Granger was “truly remarkable” and her campaign was “making a huge difference to patients.”

He added: “She had humility, compassion and warmth in equal measure and will be greatly missed.”