A recipient of the British Empire Medal for her lifelong service to visually impaired and blind people in Watford and the surrounding areas has died at the age of 75.

Susan Harper was a tireless and committed volunteer running the Watford Social Centre for the Blind in Cross Street, Watford, for more than 20 years.

She was awarded a BEM in 2012, having taken over the role of chairman of trustees at the centre in the early 1990s after her mother, Rene Milton, who had started the club just after the Second World War, fell ill.

Susan had been diagnosed with myeloma cancer four years ago, which she was determined would not affect her life, but in December last year she was further diagnosed with the rare condition cardiac amyloidosis.

She died peacefully on Wednesday, April 8.

Susan had taken on the fund raising campaigns for the centre from a young adult and over the last 40 years had raised more than £100,000.

With the money, members enjoyed weekly meetings where they were entertained by various visiting groups and individuals, and also regular outings to nearby golf clubs, garden centres and towns further afield - all arranged by Susan.

All the members who were able were encouraged to join the group holidays she organised, after which she enjoyed listening to the many escapades they got into.

The centre has been taken over by her daughter Jenny Marsh who, with the other volunteers, will continue to run the club in same vein.

Susan put on jazz evenings at Hunton Park, Shendish Manor and Abbots Hill School where Terry Lightfoot and his band entertained hundreds of supporters.

Through these events she managed to raise enough money to completely update the centre to include a new kitchen, roof and safer flooring.

During her time as chairman she had dedicated herself to helping those with visual impairments and the blind.

She took great satisfaction in knowing that she could provide a comfortable, safe and friendly environment where members could meet regularly and support each other through a life changing stage in their lives.

Many members have thanked Susan for helping them through a very traumatic and frightening transition from sighted to being visually impaired.

Her goal was always to make their lives easier.

This could have been as simple as ordering a talking watch to arranging for someone from the relevant organisations to visit them in their home to make any necessary adaptations.

Susan was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 2012 for services to the blind and Watford community.

She proudly accepted her medal from the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, the Countess of Verulam and was invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

In addition to her work with the Blind Centre, Susan was a trustee of Goslings House, an almshouse for women in Watford, and was a director of The Herts Society for the Blind.

Susan was known for having a formidable energy about her that few could match.

She leaves her husband, Richard, children Tim and Jenny and grandchildren Toby, Edward and Michael.

A private family committal, followed by a Thanksgiving Service at All Saints' Church, Kings Langley, will be held on Friday, May 1, at 1.30pm.

No flowers please, but donations if desired to Watford Social Centre for the Blind c/o Macleans Funeral Services, 837 St Albans Road, Garston, Watford WD25 0LH.