FOR Gemma Elms, life was about living, not looking back. Now Miss Elms’s brother has paid tribute to his positive, enthusiastic little sister, who died suddenly of ovarian cancer aged 31.

Miss Elms, pictured, of Jacobs Mill, Witney, died on November 2 after being diagnosed with the disease less than a year ago.

Her brother, Duncan, 34, said she never let the illness get to her and strived to raise money for ovarian cancer research.

During her treatment, she set up and ran a delicatessen, Little Gems, in Minster Lovell.

Mr Elms, who lives in Birmingham, said: “It was quite a rapid and aggressive cancer. Even the doctors and specialists were surprised by how quickly it had spread.

“But she dealt with it in the only way she knew how, taking it head on, rather than letting it win. Life was about living, not looking back. And that was Gemma, always.”

Miss Elms ran the Blenheim Half Marathon in June, three days after receiving chemotherapy, to raise money for ovarian cancer research.

And she had plans to run other half marathons in the future.

She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2010 after going to hospital with stomach cramps.

After having a tumour removed, she started chemotherapy but was told in August the cancer was terminal.

Mr Elms said: “I have been looking at a lot of photos and I still see her as this little girl. She was always happy and had a mischievous giggle. I will remember her as a positive, shining light.”

He added: “But it is unbelievably hard to lose your little sister.

“She didn’t have any children and wasn’t married, which were things she wanted to do.”

Close friend, Michelle Fletcher, 30, of Carterton, said: “She was such an inspirational person to be around and she was so brave going through her treatment.

“I’ve got so much strength from her. But she was also very, very popular and you always knew you would have a good night out with Gemma.”

Her friends plan to run a half marathon next year in her memory to raise money for ovarian cancer research.

Miss Elms was born in Essex, moving to Minster Lovell when she was three and attending St Kenelm’s Primary School.

She went to Burford School and then worked at the Mill and Old Swan and, over the last four years, for Centrica.

A service to celebrate her life was due to be held at St Mary’s Church, Witney, yesterday.