Aundrea, 43, who was a cluster manager for Cook’s Bangor and Newtownards stores in Northern Ireland, was diagnosed with untreatable pancreatic cancer in July 2016.

The mother of two’s fight against the disease gained national coverage and saw volunteers from the travel trade throughout the UK and Ireland rally together to launch fundraising network Aundrea’s Army.

Their efforts over the past 13 months raised a total of £200,000, enabling Aundrea to undergo life-prolonging treatment in Germany, as the expensive cancer drug she needed was not available on the NHS in Northern Ireland.

Aundrea sadly passed away on Wednesday August 16, surrounded by her family at a hospice. Her funeral took place in Belfast on Monday August 21.

Close friend Martin Maclaren, Beachcomber Tours’ regional sales manager, Scotland and Northern Ireland, helped spearhead the fundraising drive. He said Aundrea had felt “gobsmacked” by the kindness and support directed at her.

“She was just a normal girl from Northern Ireland and was blown away by it,” Maclaren told TTG. “With the money raised she never had to turn down treatment and we always found a way to get more – we never let her down.”

Thousands of people from across the world have posted messages of condolence on social media following Aundrea’s death, which Maclaren said he hoped would offer comfort to the family: “Her story has touched so many lives and in the coming days I hope it comforts them to see just how loved Aundrea was by so many.”
Kathryn Darbandi, Thomas Cook’s director of retail and customer experience, described Aundrea, who worked for the company for 23 years, as a “super colleague and friend”.

“Her vibrant personality will be remembered for many years to come – she will be deeply missed,” she said. “On behalf of everyone at Thomas Cook, especially Aundrea’s colleagues in our Northern Ireland team, we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to her family at this very sad time.”

Former colleague Tracey Reid, who was managed by Aundrea at Cook’s Newtownards store, added: “She was just one of a kind; bright, bubbly and so glamorous. She was always immaculate – you could hear her heels clipping before you saw her.

“She had a heart of gold.”

Lorraine Christie, Thomas Cook cluster manager for Belfast South and East, said: “Aundrea was not only my work colleague but also my good friend, who I loved dearly. She was an inspiration to many and the most courageous lady I have ever met.

“We met in 1998 when I started working with her and our friendship grew stronger with every year. We experienced many emotions together over the years and I have memories that I will hold close to my heart forever.”

Aundrea’s assistant manager, Russell Armour, said: “If ever you had a question - ask Aundrea. I was always surprised when she knew the answer. She would then say ’that’s why I wear the badge’."

“She was always positive and brought out the best in people. Her upbeat personality and smile were infectious."

Christine McCleery, cluster manager for Lisburn and Portadown, added: “Aundrea was my work buddy of almost 18 years which led to a strong friendship. She turned heads wherever she went and was simply stunning. Her presence could fill any room as confidence oozed from her.

“This, mixed with a little crazy, is what I loved about her and we clicked from very early days. Having been a part of her devastating journey from day one, my heart has been in pieces for her and her amazing sons and parents.”