TRIBUTES have been paid to the mother of the UK’s biggest family who has died from cancer.

Foster mum Ann Collins, who cared for more than 1,000 children over five decades, lost her battle with the disease at Poole Hospital.

Her husband Steve, 63, said: “We are all heartbroken and numb. You’d say Ann was the matriarch of the family. Her children were all over the world and she always had time for them. As far as everyone is concerned, she was their mother and now she has gone, there is an irreplaceable hole in our family.”

Ann, 73, was diagnosed with kidney cancer last July, which spread to her lymph nodes and bones. As previously reported in the Daily Echo she told how she refused to retire despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Her extended family arranged regular visits to keep her spirits high and left dozens of bouquets on her doorstep. However, Ann’s condition deteriorated and she was admitted to hospital where she died last Wednesday.

Steve, said: “She was my world. I didn’t ever need anything else. We battled through any problems life threw at us together.”

Ann, originally from Essex, fell in love caring for children as a youngster became an assistant housemother of a children’s home aged 15. The mum-of-three, of Hunt Road, Poole, vowed to fill her house with ‘love and laughter’ and took her foster children on days out and holidays - once turning heads when a 50 sea coach pulled up to collect the family.

Ann and Steve were honoured with awards for their service including the Gold Community Champion Award in May.

Poole council’s strategic director Jan Thurgood, said: “Staff in Poole’s Children’s Services and foster carers have been deeply saddened by the news of Ann’s passing. Ann has made a unique and outstanding contribution to fostering in Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole. She and her husband Steve have given each individual child and young person they have fostered high quality care and the experience of being part of their loving family home. Ann has generously and selflessly used her years of experience, her straight forward approach and humour to provide invaluable support to children and young people and indeed to adults whom she previously fostered.”

“It has been a privilege for us all in Children’s Services to work with Ann over so many years. Our thoughts are with Steve and their family at this time”.

Anyone is welcome to Ann’s funeral, which takes place at Poole Crematorium next Thursday from 1pm.