Tributes pour in for the queen of fundraising

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Plymouth centenarian and local celebrity who has died.

- KATIE OBORN

Multi-talented pianist Barbara Cole, known as Babs, played one last piano tune the day before she died.

Babs had an amazing connection to many people in Plymouth and has featured in The Herald on many occasions. She began fundraising during the 1970s, raising thousands of pounds since then for local charities through dances and garden parties.

Retiring late in life, at 93, Babs “never stopped” she was always helping others, at 100-years-old she was making blankets for homeless people. Long-term friend, Mandy Smith, aged 60, has known Babs for more than 40 years, having played piano alongside her.

Mandy said: “So many people in Plymouth knew her, a lot of them called her mum, grandma or auntie - she had an amazing connection to everyone she met. She had the kindest heart and never stopped helping others. She was so driven and never wanted to let anyone down. Everyone fell in love with Babs.