TRIBUTES have been paid to the wife of a former newspaper editor and MP who lost her year-long battle with cancer last month.

Jennifer Touhig supported the former Labour MP for Islwyn and Free Press editor Don Touhig, now Lord Touhig, throughout his career.

Born in Pontypool, the mum of four is remembered for helping to set up a club for people with Down’s syndrome at Crownbridge School in Torfaen.

She also volunteered at a St David’s Foundation shop in Griffithstown, worked as a receptionist for the Free Press, and wrote its bygone days’ column. She died on November 25, aged 67.

The couple met at a rock ‘n’ roll dance in Trevethin when they were 16 and tied the knot at St Alban’s Church in Pontypool four years later.

Torfaen MP Paul Murphy was best man at their wedding in September 1968.

He said: “I knew Jen since she was 16, and I will miss her terribly.

“She was a kind, compassionate and Christian woman who was a huge support to Don when he was a councillor, MP and minister.

“She enriched the lives of so many people in Islwyn and in Torfaen.”

Lord Touhig served in the Islwyn constituency until 2010 and is now a life peer.

Lord Touhig, 66, said: “She had been ill for a year. She had cancer. She was very brave and fought it.

“Jennifer was a quiet person who loved her family.

“The most important thing in her life was her family and friends.

“She was dedicated, caring and loved her children and grandchildren.

“She was always willing to help.

“Everybody loved her for her generous spirit and her love for everybody. That’s how she was.”

Islwyn MP Chris Evans added: “I worked for Don and they became very good friends of mine.

“Anyone who knew Jen would know how warm and kind she was.

“Like anybody who met her I will miss her greatly.

“She was the type of person that always made you smile whenever you saw her.”

l The funeral service is to take place at St Alban’s church in Conway Road at 2.15pm on Friday, followed by a cremation service at Gwent Crematorium at 4pm.