A SENIOR Tory politician has paid a heartfelt tribute to his wife after she lost a brave battle against cancer.

Vivienne Miller had already successfully fought breast cancer.

But three years ago she was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour and the disease spread to her lungs and spine.

Mum-of-one Mrs Miller died at Manorlands, the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice, last Wednesday. She was 54.

This week her husband of 33 years, Glen Miller, the Tory group leader on Bradford Council, spoke movingly of his “popular and bubbly soulmate”.

“She was always happy and thinking of others,” said Mr Miller, a Worth Valley councillor, of The Chase in Keighley.

“Vivienne knew the cancer was terminal but she never complained or asked ‘why me?’.

“Despite everything she was going through, she continued to help people.

“She didn’t know how long she would have, but she was determined to live every day to the full. Her main loves were baking and bingo, and she would drag me along to play!”

The couple met in Germany while both serving in the army. Cardiff-born Vivienne was a cook and her husband-to-be a mechanic with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

She left the forces when they wed, but continued in a civilian catering role.

The couple set up home in Keighley about 25 years ago.

“We came to the town for a wedding and thought ‘what a lovely place’ so decided to move here,” said Mr Miller, 52.

“I was still in the army at the time so Vivienne moved ahead of me and made the home.”

Mrs Miller worked in the kitchens at the former Keighley College and then at Whinburn School, before opening her own sandwich shop in Alkincote Street, Keighley.

After winning her fight against breast cancer 16 years ago, she set up a catering business at the Cellar Project in the town and then about eight years ago took up a role as a community support worker with Bradford District Care Trust.

Mr Miller said they realised there was another problem with his wife’s health when she started suffering from headaches.

“We went to Airedale Hospital and they discovered the brain tumour,” he said.

“The specialist told me she had six months to live but Vivienne didn’t want to know that.

“She underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, took tablets and had a new treatment at St James’ Hospital in Leeds.

“We knew it was a case of prolonging life, not a cure. The fact she lived for another three years was testament to her determination.”

Mrs Miller spent some respite days at Manorlands.

“They were absolutely fantastic there – I can’t speak highly enough of them,” said Mr Miller.

The funeral service takes place at Haworth Parish Church on Monday, at 11am, followed by cremation at Oakworth.

Mrs Miller leaves her husband and their 22-year-old daughter, Georgina.