A GATHERING has been organised to celebrate the life of a much-loved Mail writer.

Sue Mason, former assistant editor of The Journal, died on January 3, aged 52, after losing her fight against cancer.

She married her partner of 22 years, Norman Wilson, in a ceremony at their home in Hessle on December 23.

A celebration of Sue's life will be held at the Country Park Inn, Hessle, next month.

Norman, 73, said: "Sue was very caring and I remember nice holidays in the Lake District and long walks.

"She was a very affectionate, warm person.

"I have had about 50 cards and some lovely comments.

"Our wedding was a special day.

"Sue really enjoyed it, although she was getting quite ill by then.

"She was so well loved."

Sue, a mother of two and step-mother of four, worked at the Mail for 20 years.

She became ill in September 2010 and was later diagnosed with breast and bone cancer, which spread.

She was mainly cared for at home by members of her family, including Norman and mother Hazel Mason, during her illness.

But she received help from Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie nurses in the final stages.

Her funeral was held in North Yorkshire, where she grew up, on January 16 and she was buried there.

Photographer Lee Karen Stow, Sue's friend of more than 20 years and former lodger, said: "She was unassuming and I never heard her complain about anything.

"What I realised about Sue, because of her profession in her writing, is she was prolific. She wrote so many articles and I wondered how she came up with fresh ideas all the time.

"From a work point of view, it was admirable."

Lee's last memory of Sue was from a chance visit to her home in Hessle to drop off a box of Christmas biscuits.

She didn't realise it was Sue and Norman's wedding day and will always remember how beautiful her friend looked.

Lee, 45, of Beverley, said: "She was glowing. It stuck in my mind all day.

"She had lost her hair and lost weight, but she was beautiful."

Sue leaves behind daughters Serena, 16, and Harriet Wilson-Mason, 9, step-daughter Sara Wilson, 42, and step-sons Darren, 40, Nigel, 38, and Mike Wilson, 36.

The celebration of Sue's life will take place in the Mariner's Suite at the Country Park Inn, Cliff Road, Hessle Foreshore, Hessle, at 1pm on Sunday, February 5.

Sue's family said her friends, colleagues and acquaintances were welcome to attend to raise a glass and share their memories.