A FITTING tribute will be paid to an “inspiring” VW fan who died suddenly last month.

Olivia Owen, 33, from Kimbolton, became interested in the VW scene a number of years ago with her partner – and soon became a permanent fixture on the scene.

Her friends on the VW scene had been helping her to raise funds for a new, lighter wheelchair after an accident in Cyprus four years ago left her paralysed.

Friend and fellow 'v-dubber', Nickie Hill, said: “She had so many fundraising things going on as she needed a new wheelchair to help her get about more and gain her independence.

“The wheelchair she had was so heavy she needed to have someone with her to help her in and out of her car as she couldn't lift it on her own. But the one she was fundraising for was lightweight and once she had that there would be no stopping her."

Ms Owen had hoped that the new wheelchair would enable her to get a job, load and unload the chair into her car and complete tasks other able-bodied people could.

At Dubstock – an annual VW car show near Ivington – this summer, funds were raised to help Ms Owen fulfil her dream and she was also planning to complete a sponsored skydive.

But on August 18, Ms Owen had an accident at home and, after some time in hospital, died three days later.

“Since then, nothing has been the same for anyone who knows Liv, we all miss her dearly and wish this was a bad nightmare but it's not,” said Ms Hill.

“Liv was an inspiration to so many people and always had such a positive outlook on life – nothing ever phased her she just got on with whatever was thrown her way.

"Her sudden death has not only shocked her family but the whole of the V-dub scene as she was known by many and loved by everyone."

A post-mortem examination was inconclusive so Ms Owen’s friends and family will now have to wait several weeks while more tests are carried out.

But while a date cannot be yet set for her funeral, plans are already under way.

“As Liv was such a massive VW fan she is going to come in our van Melyvn to her funeral,” said Miss Hill.

“She will be followed by her van, Tink, and lots of other VWs as everyone who knows her would love to come and pay their respect to her and say their final goodbye to a wonderful lady whose life was caught way too short.”