Richard Herrington, of Bayly Avenue, Portchester, wants to complete his wife Lorraine's goal of making a three-mile coastal path accessible to everybody.

Lorraine, the founder and driving force of the Fareham Access Group, was taken ill on Monday of last week. As her condition worsened an ambulance was called, but she died before it could reach her home.

It is not yet known what caused her death and an inquest will be held.

Despite suffering from rheumatoid arthritis since she was three and being wheelchair-bound Lorraine, who was in her 60s, refused to let her condition rule her life.

Mr Herrington said: 'To complete that path in her name, that would be her legacy, and that is what we want to do.

'She was an inspiration to us all, and although she's gone she will never be forgotten.

'She had such enthusiasm for life and would always champion the underdog. She would always put others before herself.

'If she was having a bad day she would never show it and would just get on with whatever she needed to do.'

The group has been working on the path project, which runs around Cams Hall Estate and golf course across to Portchester, for six years.

But it will cost £180,000 to resurface the nature trail to make it safe for people in wheelchairs and those with impaired sight.

The group has been provisionally awarded a £25,000 grant by the Veolia Environmental Trust which will enable them to get work started.

Gill Utting, a friend and member of the group, said: 'Lorraine was such a little lion – she was absolutely fearless when dealing with businesses and authorities.

'She was unstoppable.'