A family of a much-loved Newtown woman who "brought joy to people’s lives" has unveiled a new bench at Ponthafren in her memory.

Theresa Gooding sadly died in November last year from cancer aged 47, within days of being diagnosed.

Her parents, Sandra and Dave, and members of Theresa's family along with staff and friends at Ponthafren, gathered in the charity's garden that overlooks the River Severn where she often sat and chatted.

"Theresa was the centre of our world," her mother Sandra said. "She brought joy to people’s lives.

"Of all the people they could have taken. My family say she was too good for here.

"She was always pleased to see everybody. Everyone would always say she was always smiling. She adored her family and we were very close.

"I was very, very proud of her. She knew but she never moaned. I can’t believe how brave she was."

Sandra and Dave say Ponthafren brought out the best of Theresa who would regularly visit to learn how to paint with acclaimed local artist Brian Jones.

County Times: Theresa Gooding.Theresa Gooding. (Image: Family picture.)

"They’re absolutely wonderful," Sandra said of the Newtown mental health and wellbeing charity. "If I won the lottery I would definitely know where my money would go."

"I can’t say enough about Brian Jones. She adored him and he was so good and she loved her art.

Dave added: "They turned her life around. For her to go there, it brought her out so much."

Ponthafren charity remembers Theresa as a " lovely, bubbly, friendly girl" who always enjoyed attending groups and activities.

"Theresa had a quirky taste of subjects in her art classes and she produced some beautiful pieces of work. Theresa’s smile was infectious and she brightened every art class she attended. Her stories about her holidays with her family were always a highlight and she was always smiling and laughing.

"As the bench dedication says, Theresa 'Always had a smile for everyone' and she is sadly missed by everyone at Ponthafren."

Theresa was also a familiar face in town and would volunteer at the Cancer Research UK shop in Market Street which was "wonderful for her", her mother said.

Ponthafren is calling on people of all gardening abilities with spare time between 10am and 1pm on Thursday (September 15) to help bring the garden back to its best.

"Our once beautiful garden is in need of some love and attention," the charity said. "We would love to see you there for some fun, teamwork and fresh air."