Tributes paid to Claire Prosser

The very sad news has been announced of the sudden death of Ealing journalist and charity campaigner for the Tom Clabburn fund, Claire Prosser.

Claire, the founder and former director of the BBC Journalist Trainee scheme, was taken ill last week and died after surgery.

Her shocked friends and colleagues have been paying tribute.

Mark Wray, head of the College of Journalism has written:

'' The phrase "one of a kind" is overused but in Claire's case it really was true. She lit up the lives of so many of us who were lucky enough to know her….in the College of Journalism, the wider BBC Academy and News. Her sense of humour was wicked and infectious.''

She left the BBC last year and was working as a consultant and continuing to champion the Tom Clabburn fund - the charity set up in memory of her son, who died in 2007 at the age of 14 from an undiagnosed heart condition.

Claire and husband Paul, from Elers Road, have been active throughout the community - raising tens of thousands of pounds for the heart charity CRY through coffee mornings, book sales and charity events which have enabled more than 1,100 free heart screenings to take place.

CRY's Chief Executive and Founder, Alison Cox MBE, said:

"It was with great sadness that I learned that Claire Prosser died on 1st December. Claire, her husband Paul and daughter Ellen, were ardent supporters of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and had been with us raising awareness and fundraising since the sudden cardiac death of their son (and brother) Tom in 2007. We greatly appreciate everything that Claire did for us in Tom's memory. We will miss her greatly. Our thoughts are with the family at this terrible time."

Paul and daughter Ellen have paid their own tributes on the Tom Clabburn website:

''Raconteuse, wit, journalist (old school), good companion, simply the best wife and the unique Mumma Bear. Above all a beautiful spirit and a woman of great courage. For the good times. All my love, Paul. Love you lots like jelly tots, Ellen.''

Paul says the website will change to the Tom and Claire Fund, and thanks everyone for their support but requests flowers aren't sent - instead:

''Claire’s great wish was that Tom’s Fund should raise £100,000. We’re nearly there, it’s raised more than £90,000 since 2008. So if you would like to make a donation to what is now the Tom and Claire Fund you can do so here.

'' Once again, thank you for all the support. Let’s do CP proud. ''

Details of the service to celebrate Claire's life can be found here

3rd December 2014