From the streets of Irvinestown to the halls of the Northern Ireland Assembly, a tireless charity champion has been remembered for her outstanding selflessness and work as a charity advocate.

Siobhan Allister (63) was laid to rest yesterday following her peaceful passing over the weekend at the South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen, surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her husband, Stephen, and their sons, Daniel and Ben.

Mrs. Allister was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Anna Scallon, and her brothers, Killian and Stephen.

Her funeral took place yesterday morning at Sacred Heart Church, Irvinestown.

Mrs. Allister was well known for her work as Lead Support Volunteer and Group Coordinator for the Fermanagh MS Group, through which she helped raise more than £100,000 for multiple sclerosis (MS) causes in Northern Ireland after being diagnosed with the condition in 2010 at the age of 49.

Tributes to Mrs. Allister came from right across the county. Fermanagh South Tyrone UUP MLA Diana Armstrong paid tribute to her in the Chamber of the Northern Ireland Assembly on Tuesday morning, and noted Mrs. Allister's fundraising achievements.

Recounting Mrs. Allister's exemplary efforts to help others, Mrs. Armstrong said: “She raised in excess of £100,000 for MS causes in Northern Ireland, organising abseiling and marathon cycle events amongst others.

"She was an active member of the all-party group on MS and neurology, using her knowledge of the condition to lobby for more research and funding for patients.

“Siobhan ensured that MS patients in Fermanagh received the benefit of her fundraising for therapeutic care.

"Her personal experience of the condition enabled her to display great empathy and passion for her patients and their families."

Concluding, Mrs. Armstrong added: “Whilst small in stature, she was big in heart, and her contribution to the local community was immense.

"She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her as an inspirational person. May she rest in peace.”

Mrs. Allister was widely recognised for her contributions, earning numerous honours, including the MS Society's ‘Shining Star’ award, a ‘Point of Light’ award from the then Prime Minister, and the British Empire Medal for her exceptional service to the MS community.

A spokesperson for the MS Society in Northern Ireland said: “Siobhan was a tireless advocate for people living with MS in Northern Ireland.

"Her passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our community will forever be remembered.

"Siobhan's incredible fundraising efforts, her tireless work to support individuals navigating early diagnosis, and her prolific campaigning have made a significant impact on countless lives.

"She was a true inspiration to us all.”

Mrs. Allister was involved in many other aspects of community life through her working life as well as through sport and community-based volunteering.

One central part of Fermanagh's life that she was involved in was the annual Lady of the Lake festival, in Irvinestown.

Joe Mahon, a member of the Lady of the Lake festival committee, paid tribute to Mrs. Allister, describing her as “the best”.

He said: “She joined the festival committee a couple of years ago and she was an inspiration. Siobhan will be badly missed.”

A wider statement from the festival committee said: “Siobhan was a vital part of our committee over the years.

"Her dedication to the community was further shown through the charity work she took part in with Fermanagh MS and the Aisling Centre, which really shows what a kind-hearted and selfless person Siobhan was.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and everyone who loved her as much as we did.”