THE husband of a woman who died after being pulled from the River Colne has paid tribute to her as a caring woman who was devoted to the community.

Gillian Tipton, of Wells Road, Colchester, died at Colchester General Hospital after heroic efforts by the public, police and paramedics to save her failed.

A 20-year-old man from the town and two PCs jumped into the raging river in a desperate attempt to rescue 65-year-old Mrs Tipton.

Her heartbroken husband, Edwin, said: “I want to thank them personally for what they did.

“It really was a torrent that day and so cold.

“What they did, not everyone would have done.”

One member of the public battled the strong currents and cold water, but was forced to let go of Mrs Tipton, when the branch he was holding snapped.

Mr Tipton, 69, said: “He did everything he could and I am so grateful to him, and to those police officers, for trying.

“Everyone did everything they could, and all the police I spoke to were wonderful, so thank you to them all.”

The couple had been married 44 years, having met when Mrs Tipton was 15 and her husband 19.

She initially worked as a GPO telephonist, before transferring to her future husband’s company.

She left to become a carer more than 30 years ago, spending 28 years of that time working for Essex Social Services.

After leaving the department, she went to work for an agency, caring for people in their own homes.

Most of her clients were in the Colchester town area, where her compassion and dedication to the job made her a well-known figure.

Mr Tipton said: “Everyone she met, she touched in some way.

“If you had to choose a mum, you would choose Gilly.”

In 2002, Mrs Tipton was appointed an MBE for services to the community. When she visited Buckingham Palace to receive her insignia from the Queen, she was seen to enjoy a joke with the monarch.

About 16 months ago, Mrs Tipton underwent an operation, which left her in terrible pain.

She never managed to return to the job she loved, instead enduring one doctor’s appointment after another as she tried to find out what was wrong.

No one was able to diagnose the problem and no medication made a difference.

Mr Tipton added: “She was a real lady in the true sense.

“She was so pretty to me, with such beautiful skin.

“I have so many memories, and they will always stay with me. She is at peace now.”

Her favourite colours were pink and purple, and her husband has vowed to plant two pink peace rose bushes, one in the front garden and one in the back, especially for his beloved wife.

She also leaves behind two sons, aged 40 and 36, and a grandson.

Mrs Tipton’s funeral will be next Monday at 10.15am at Colchester Crematorium and all those who knew her will be welcome.

An inquest into her death was opened and adjourned last Wednesday.