TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a “Mother Teresa” figure who ran a soup kitchen for the poor and spent the majority of her time volunteering to help homeless people.

Muriel Hawke, 81, died unexpectedly on Friday, August 16 after more than 30 years of helping the homeless community and 22 years running the In Touch Mission based at Lansdowne Baptist Church.

She collapsed whilst preparing a meal of sausages and mash for the food distribution centre she ran three times a week at the Church which fed around 100 people. Minister at Lansdowne Baptist Church, Peter Baker said: “Muriel died serving the people she cared for and preparing a meal she couldn’t deliver.

“She was a real Mother Teresa figure with a unique ability to control those who could sometimes be violent. She was remarkably relentless.”

Muriel had a real understanding of those in need, as she battled with addiction and lived on the streets for several years.

Peter said: “She turned her life around. Muriel really was a legend in her time.”

Wayne Griffin a resident at St Paul’s hostel said: “Her death has sent shock waves through the homeless community and I feel this lovely lady should be recognised for everything she was as I haven’t meet anyone like her.”

“She has done so much for the town and died only a few hours after organising a soup run.”

Tragically, 81-year-old Muriel only tied the knot with her husband Steve four months ago.

Gary Dalkin said: “She really is one of those people who had an extraordinary, and positive, influence on everyone who met her and helped hundreds of homeless people in desperate situations.”

A thanksgiving service will be held at 12pm on Monday, September 2 at Lansdowne Baptist Church to remember Muriel and all are welcome.