AN Abergavenny woman who championed the cause of the disabled in Monmouthshire for more than 30 years has died at her home in Llanfoist.

Jenny Barnes was awarded an MBE a year ago in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. A former newspaper photographer, Jenny provided many pictures for the Chronicle in addition to working for many years for the South Wales Argus.

She received MBE for her role in improving disabled access to public spaces in Monmouthshire.

Jenny, was married to Brian who died in April and the couple had two daughters Ellie, a professor of hepatology and experimental medicine, and Nicky, an engineer, and four grandchildren.

She was co-founder of CAIR (Contact, Action, Inform, Represent), launched in 1979, which brings together smaller organisations representing disabled people and their carers on issues that affect them.

She has received several previous accolades, including the Service in the Community Award from the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (2014).

County Councillor Tudor Thomas told the Chronicle, ‘Jenny did a huge amount of good for the disabled in Monmouthshire, she always represented their interested with energy and passion. She will be greatly missed.’

Allen Jones, a long serving member of CAIR commented, ‘Jenny did a tremendous amount of work for disability improvements in the County, CAIR is a success in no small part due to her efforts. Our fight for a better world for the disabled will go on.’

Liz Davies, editor of the Chronicle said, “I have known Jenny personally and professionally for more than 30 years and had huge respect and affection for her. Our deepest condolences go to Ellie and Nicky and their families.”