Richard Branson pays tribute to mum - from West Sussex - who died following Covid-19 battle

Entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson announced his mother's death in a heartfelt post on social media on Monday.

West Wittering resident Eve, 96, died despite 'managing to fight off' Covid-19, according to her son.

Mr Branson wrote: "I’m sorry to share that, sadly like a lot of people’s mums and dads right now in these days of Covid, my mum Eve has also passed away. Rather than mourn her loss, I wanted to celebrate her wonderful life & the joy she brought to so many.

"She was a force of nature who lived many remarkable lives and will live on in the hearts of all she loved. Sending love to all of you who have lost a loved one recently."

Eve, a grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother of 10, was a philanthropist and child welfare advocate.

Mr Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, described his mum as a 'force of nature' and someone who 'lived many remarkable lives'.

Writing on his blog, he added: "Mum was 96-years-old, but had the same enthusiasm and energy she had when I was a boy. As for so many of us in these days of Covid, it feels so strange that the person who has always been there for us, with such zest for life, is gone.

"She took glider lessons disguised as a boy, enlisted in the WRENS during World War II, toured Germany as a ballet dancer after the war, acted on the West End stage and worked as a pioneering air hostess on the treacherous British South American Airways routes.

"When I was growing up she was always working a project; she was inventive, fearless, relentless - an entrepreneur before the word existed."

Eve lived on the Cakeham Manor estate in West Wittering.

Did you know Eve? You can share your stories and memories of her by emailing copydesk.sussex@jpimedia.co.uk