FOREST GREEN club stalwart and Chelsea fan Julie Davies received a birthday card from her favourite Chelsea player Frank Lampard and boss Carlo Ancelotti a few days before she passed away on Monday, December 20, after her brave and long battle with cancer.

A club spokesman said: "Julie was a great stalwart of the club and had been associated with us in one way or another for almost 20 years, since moving to the area. Having just celebrated her 51st birthday she was highly regarded and always had a welcome smile for supporters and sponsors when issuing season tickets or other club memberships over the years.

"Besides those activities as part of her varied front of house duties at the club, behind the scenes the club will always be grateful for her financial contributions which were crucial during the stage the club moved from the Southern League into the Football Conference.

"Julie enjoyed life to the full and liked nothing better than dancing and a half pint of lager, it was her trademark. Julie was fun to be around and this was abundantly clear to those attending functions organised by the club or at outside events.

"Julie had a supportive love of all things to do with sport in her homeland of Wales and was often up for, or giving out a ribbing whenever Wales played England at anything. Her other love though was Chelsea and it was excellent timing that just a few days before her passing she received from Carlo Ancelotti a personal birthday card, also signed by her favourite player Frank Lampard. "Chelsea FC reacted brilliant in arranging this for her. Her love of the Blues could be found everyday as the screensaver on her computer in the club admin office testified.

"She will be missed by all the staff, her friends and all who came into contact with her.

"Our condolences go especially at this sad time to Leanne, Liam and her family in Wales. We know only too well what a big void she will leave in your midst. We thank you for allowing her to share her time with us.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 5 and will be a private family affair.

Friends are invited to join Leanne and Liam together with the family after the service at 2pm in the Carol Embrey Suite at the New Lawn club to share memories.

Those attending are invited to wear something "blue".

It is requested that in lieu of flowers those wishing to do so can make a donation direct to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation which may be accessed on line via : www.roycastle.org and then to Fundraising and Events/Remembering Loved Ones to obtain information on how to make any such donation.