Tributes have flooded in to a much-loved and dedicated charity campaigner known to loved ones as “our wonder woman”.

Retired police officer Viv Pow died peacefully at home in Middleton Tyas, near Darlington, on Sunday morning, after using her own 12-year fight against cancer as a platform to inspire countless others. She was 60.

After being diagnosed with bowel cancer in October 2012, mother-of-two Viv embarked on an extraordinary campaign, which included running ten marathons, and raised about £45,000 for cancer research alongside best friend and police colleague Tracy Kirk.

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Viv started by taking part in the inaugural Yorkshire Marathon in 2013, just weeks after finishing her chemotherapy. Three years later, despite being fitted with a stoma, Viv completed the Rome Marathon, and she became a mentor for others needing a stoma, with the message: “Life doesn’t need to stop”.

Viv’s husband, Jeff, announced she had passed away on Facebook, saying: “Viv was loved by everyone who knew her, and she remained positive throughout her long battle with cancer.

“She was responsible for the happiest times in my life but, unfortunately, the saddest, which was today. I will miss and think of her every day. Thank you for your support and kindness over the years.”

Tracy, who was inspired to become a charity champion and marathon runner by Viv, added on Facebook: “A light has gone out in my life. My heart is breaking – go and show heaven your vivaciousness, light and love, my beautiful, brave bestie.”

Viv was known as “our wonder woman” by her friends because of her refusal to give in, her determination to stay positive, and her commitment to inspiring others to “live life to the full”.

Viv and Tracy both served for 30 years as police officers and were colleagues in Darlington. They were made ambassadors for the Race For Life in recognition of their fundraising exploits for Cancer Research UK.

Viv received a standing ovation when she was presented with a Special Recognition Award at The Northern Echo’s County Durham Together Awards in 2022.

Tributes have flooded in on social media, including a post from Donna Patterson saying: “She was an inspiration to us all.”

Jo Meynell posted: “Viv’s light will shine – she has touched the lives and hearts of so many.”

And Marilyn Jones added: “She was such an inspiration in her cancer battle. She fought with dignity and true grit.”

As well as running marathons, Viv was also a regular participant in the Darlington parkrun. When she was too ill to take part, she became a cheerleader from the sidelines, always with a big smile on her face.

For the past two years, Viv and Tracy have organised a highly successful fundraising event in Darlington’s South Park, called “Viv’s Positivity POWer Run and Walk over 5k.

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The third staging of the event is scheduled for next Monday and Viv had been desperate to attend to say a personal ‘thank you’ to supporters.

Husband Jeff said: “It’s heartbreaking that she won’t be there, but I know she would want as many people as possible to come out and take part.”

Viv leaves two sons, Sam and Matthew, and grandchildren Camilla, four, Rupert, three, and Matilda, two.