Annie was my first boss out of University and I was treasured by her warm personality and great sense of humour. She will always be remembered for being a woman who stood up for people and the disadvantaged, an absolute inspiration. She was a wonderful person and sad to hear of her loss, however I know she will live on in her children. Much love, Lucian xxx

I corresponded often with Annie via the MyOvacome forum. I was so very sorry to hear of her passing. She was a huge inspiration on the MyOvacome website and replied to so many people, always with helpful supportive information. We will all miss her hugely. Condolences to her family. Nicola Orsolini x

One of my first and lasting impressions of Annie was her riding swiftly on a horse during summer break on the south coast. She must have been about 12 or 13. At that time I was visiting my British uncle Bill Sands and his family during my year's time at Bradford, teaching German there. I admired her on her horse, as I would surely have fallen off. And this - her riding ahead - she kept throughout her life, whatever her situation was. My wife Henny and me will keep her in our hearts as a POWER FRAU as we would put it in German. Today we again think of Annie and of two special lines at the beginning of Psalm 103: ... Bless the Lord my soul, and forget none of his benefits. ... Reimar K.H. Thomas, one of the German 'cousins', with his wife Henny

I was so saddened to hear the news that Annie has lost her battle with ovarian cancer. Annie's dogged determination in the quest for improved cancer services was truly remarkable and admirable. She was a true Patients' Champion. I met Annie whilst campaigning for access to treatment in England for Neuroendocrine patients and she inspired me to keep fighting on. I greatly admired her eloquence when speaking at meetings and she selflessly spent the last years of her life publicising her campaign for better access to diagnostics and treatment for the benefit of all cancer sufferers. I feel privileged to have know Annie and I send her family my heartfelt sympathy. Yolande Mears NET patient

Annie was a great person, inspiring, full of joy and energy. I have wonderful memories of her from over five decades, starting in 1964 when as a school boy I visited the Sands family. We kept in touch, and the stays in Cardiff were precious experiences to both us, my wife Renate and myself. And conversely, Annie and Martin travelled all the way to Aachen, Germany, when I celebrated my 60th birthday. - Annie has given encouragement and support to so many people all over the country - and all this in the most difficult phase of her life - that she will live on in these achievements that are just amazing. Our thoughts are with her family. Wolfgang and Renate from Aachen

A prayer for Annie and thank-you for the fun and happiness you brought into our Church in Llandrindod many years ago. God bless you, Annie. Geraint

From the moment I married her brother Nick, Annie warmly welcomed me as her new sister-in-law. We always enjoyed our visits to Wales as Annie was such fun to be with. When Nick was taken ill while we were on holiday in America, Annie flew out to give us both much needed support and I will always be so grateful for the love and kindness she gave us and a few laughs as well. She will be sadly missed.

Lovely lady. Love to Hannah and Rebecca.

I met Annie when she started to work for Cardiff University, she later became my manager - she was very kind and helpful and very supportive when needed. She always tried to help anyone who needed it and always seemed to see the best in people. She always treated people well and with respect. She had quite a quirky character and was a happy soul even through the tough times. She loved her family and would always be there for them whenever they needed her. When she became ill she carried on regardless never letting it get the better of her. After she finished working with us she carried on helping others through Union activities and then starting her campaigning to raise awareness of the inequalities of cancer treatments throughout Wales. She was an inspiration to those that knew her and followed her exploits on Facebook, twitter and television. Her family can be really proud of her achievements, though it wasn't in time to help her she will have helped countless others through her dedication to her cause. I am proud that I can call her my friend and I will miss her very much. All my love to her family and friends.

I was so saddened by the news of Annie's passing, and my thoughts and sympathies are with Annie's family and friends. I knew Annie online as a tireless campaigner for anyone affected by this awful disease, but we became friends via e-mail when she held out the hand of friendship at a difficult time for me. Annie was a shining light in a world of darkness, she was an amazing, kind, compassionate and brave lady who will be missed by all of us. RIP lovely lady. Karen x

I met Annie when I was about to present a 98,000 signature petition to the Welsh Assembly asking for cancer care to be equivalent to that in England. Annie was a huge support, also joining us later at Westminster, and she was inspirational in her drive and determination, and awesome in her knowledge, as well as being a lot of fun. I will remember her with fondness, huge admiration and regret that she has gone. A brilliant lady.

I met Annie at Velindre Hospital whilst waiting for my pre-chemo blood tests to be done. Annie was selling Ovarian Cancer brooches to raise money and we got chatting. We had so much more to say about our fundraising experience and so we exchanged contact details and met for coffee soon after and kept in touch. Cancer may have taken Annie from us, but she will live on in our hearts and I am blessed to have known her. xx