The family of late MP Dame Cheryl Gillan have thanked the community for their “wonderful” tributes.

The Chesham and Amersham MP sadly died on Saturday aged 68, following a long illness.

Dozens of tributes poured in for Dame Cheryl, who was a fierce advocate for those with autism, with the Prime Minister calling her a “great servant”.

Now, the Leeming family – Dame Cheryl was married to former civil servant Jack Leeming who died in 2019 aged 91 – have thanked the public for their kind words and praised Mrs Gillan’s medical team.

They said in a statement: “Cheryl’s close relatives were able to see her and for this, the Leeming family wish to thank Cheryl’s medical team who gave her tremendous care and support throughout.

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“Cheryl’s family have also been receiving messages of condolence from constituents and many others, which have been arriving ever since the announcement on Monday, April 5.

“These tributes have been a great comfort to Cheryl’s family, for which they are immensely grateful.”

A number of people also left tributes via the BFP’s book of condolences, with former Amersham resident Martin King, who now lives in Australia, writing: “I am so very sad to learn that my MP in the UK, Dame Cheryl Gillan, has passed away.

“I’d known Cheryl since 1992 when we fought the General Election for Amersham & Chesham. She was amazing – intelligent, joyful, kind, insightful and fierce when needed.

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“Cheryl was my mentor and friend in my political activism, and later as town and district councillor and Mayor of Amersham.

“She fought hard for her constituents, of all political persuasions, against HS2 and she was so proud to be the Secretary of State for Wales.

“It was an honour to have known her and she will be missed.”