Tribute paid to Weymouth singer by British Liver Trust

The British Liver Trust said Sheryl Lee, who passed away on April 22 aged 62, 'made the world a better place just by being in it'.

Sheryl's selfless work to help others has been hailed as money is being raised for charities she cared about as well - as giving her 'the send-off she deserves diva-style' in Weymouth on May 16.

Some £2,170 has already been raised of a £6,000 fundraising target, with people rushing to donate in memory of the popular pub singer, who was well known on the Weymouth music circuit for years.

Sheryl had previously told of her battle with alcohol addiction after she was diagnosed with alcohol related liver disease and had become so ill that a liver transplant wasn’t possible.

READ MORE: 'Singer tells of battle with alcohol addiction'

She chose to tell her story in a bid to raise awareness of alcohol related liver disease and selflessly spent the last months of her life urging people to seek help if they were worried about their drinking. 

Before undergoing palliative care at at Anning House care home in Weymouth Sheryl gave advice to others in her transplant support group. 

Amy Cordwell, the British Liver Trust’s outreach project manager, said: “We were deeply saddened to hear of Sheryl’s passing.

"She was a joy to know and her big character and bubbly personality meant she was loved by everyone.

"Sheryl was particularly kind and welcoming to new support group members who were nervous about attending for the first time.

"That meant a lot to them and it’s touching to see just how many people have reached out and shared their feelings about her since she died.

Sheryl with her beloved dog Suki (Image: Supplied)

"No matter what happened, including the difficulties of being removed from the transplant list and going into palliative care, Sheryl remained upbeat and would always say: “Stay positive”.

"It was heart breaking when she said goodbye to the transplant support group for the last time, but she didn’t cry or get upset.

"She said: ‘It is what it is, but I’ve been privileged to come to this group and have made great friends here. People have supported me throughout my journey and I’m really going to miss everybody.’

"Sheryl made the world a better place just by being in it. She was a ray of light and we are all really blessed to have known her.”

READ MORE: 'Tributes paid to courageous singer who lit up the room'

A celebration of Sheryl’s life will be held on Thursday, May 16 at 2pm in the Ocean Room at Weymouth Pavilion.

The service will be at 2pm to 3pm followed by entertainment including live music, poetry and a reflection of Sheryl’s life.

People will line the street outside from The Ocean Room and wave Sheryl off to her cremation, which will be a closed setting.

The dress code is colourful, and in keeping with Sheryl's love of flowers, people are asked to bring a single pink rose and to wear flowers in their hair. 

Family flowers only, and donations to Sheryl's send-off, Weldmar Hospicecare Trust and the British Liver Trust can be made through Sheryl’s ‘Go Fund Me’ page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/celebration-of-sheryl-lee