HUNDREDS of people will wear purple ribbons today to pay their respects to a much-loved social worker, photographer and netball player described as a “wonderful woman and a bright light”.

Kathleen Bailey, who lost her battle with cancer last month, spent her working life caring for others.

Today her family and friends will celebrate her life at Blackbird Leys Community Centre, Oxford.

Miss Bailey, of Oxford Road, Cowley, moved to the city 15 years ago, after qualifying as a social worker in 1995.

The 41-year-old worked for Oxfordshire County Council Social Services, based in the specialist team for older people.

Last night, her family described her as “strong, courageous, and with an amazing enthusiasm for life”.

Miss Bailey, who had a passion for the colour purple, was a camera enthusiast and was official photographer at the Cowley Road Carnival. She once had her work displayed in London’s National Gallery.

Fifteen years ago she co-founded the Unique Netball Team, now based at Oxford School, and designed the side’s purple kit.

Her sister Jennifer Bailey, who lives in Bristol, said: “Kathleen’s personality was large, warm, and generous and everyone was swept along by her passion and positive view of life.

“Kathleen was a wonderful woman and a bright light that will shine on forevermore.”

Miss Bailey was diagnosed with lymphoma in September and died on February 15.

Best friend and colleague Fay Brown, 51, of Campbell Road, Cowley, Oxford, first met Miss Bailey 15 years-ago.

She described her as a “truly remarkable person” and pointed to her interests from calligraphy to sign language.

She said: “You always knew when Kathleen was around. Her loud infectious laugh was unique. Her outgoing personality, wicked sense of humour and one-liners were frequently shared. I feel honoured to have had her as my colleague and best friend and will treasure the memories.”

Among Miss Bailey’s achievements at work was co-writing a chapter in the Oxford Textbook of Old Age Psychiatry, published in 2008.

She was also a member of the Black Workers Group, Oxford and Unison.

Friends at her netball team said she was their loudest cheerleader and their fashion guru. Teammate Hannah Taylor said: “She played netball as she lived life, with a sense of fun and enthusiasm.

“We could not have asked for a better club member and friend. We miss her tremendously, but are privileged to have known her.”

Kathleen is survived by her mother Lurline, and brothers and sisters Joan, Perline, Ronald, Carole, Philip, Jennifer and Tracey.