TRIBUTES have been paid to the wife of Bradford City joint-chairman Mark Lawn who has lost a battle with cancer.

Yvonne Lawn, 53, was diagnosed with bowel cancer three-and-a-half years ago and died early on Monday.

The grandmother-of-five died at the family home in Oakworth, near Keighley.

Bradford City staff, past and present, have paid their respects to Mrs Lawn.

Julian Rhodes, City joint-chairman, said: "Yvonne was lovely, she always had a smile on her face.

"She was a big Bradford City fan and went to as many games as she could.

"She allowed Mark to follow his dream by investing in the club."

Wendy James, Bradford City's operations manager, who knew Mrs Lawn for nine years, said: "She was an amazing woman, so brave.

"It's unbelievable what she's gone through. She is a big loss.

"It's a big shock. I saw her last Thursday.

"I was too upset to come into work on Monday.

"She was very well liked by everyone at the club."

David Baldwin, 44, former chief executive at City and now in the same role at Burnley Football Club, said: "I had some fantastic days and nights with Yvonne.

"She always made you feel very welcome. She was the hub of her family.

"She was a very warm-hearted person.

"My relationship with Mark was not only professional but personal. Yvonne will be sadly missed.

"She was fantastic company. I knew her for a decade.

"When you met her she always made you feel at home."

City supporters have helped raise £1,710 for Cancer Research UK after an appeal started by Mr Lawn last year.

It was hoped to originally raise funds by asking the Bantams fans to wear onesies for the club's home clash with Burton Albion at Valley Parade on Boxing Day but the game was postponed due to floods.

Mr Lawn hoped the Valley Parade crowd could top the 1,800 onesie world record.

Meanwhile, Bradford City fans have also left words of condolence on the Telegraph & Argus website.

'Bingley Bantam' posted: "Sincere condolences to Mark and his family at this sad time.

"Only 12 months ago on the morning after the Chelsea game I bumped into Mark early in the morning pushing his wife around in her wheelchair outside the Millennium Hotel at Stamford Bridge.

"They were clearly a very devoted couple and her loss will be unfathomable.

"With all my sympathies at this sad time to Mark and his family. RIP Yvonne - Very Sad."

A Bradford City club statement said: "While Mark and family appreciate the many messages of condolence they are receiving at this time, they have asked that people respect their privacy during this sensitive period."