‘WE will fight for Debbie’s legacy for the rest of our lives’, say the family of a pro-cannabis campaigner who died last week.

Tributes have been paid to the prominent North-East marijuana activist following her recent death from cancer.

Debbie Watkinson’s dying wish was to see cannabis legalised in a bid to allow others to manage debilitating conditions without risking prosecution.

As reported by The Northern Echo, the Teesside grandmother devoted the last months of her life to fighting for the legalisation of the class B drug.

The nurse – who had worked in palliative care – said small doses of cannabis oil gave her a new lease of life in her final battle against liver, lung and brain cancer.

She claimed the oil allowed her to live out her days relatively pain-free and active.

The Northern Echo:

Cannabis campaigner Debbie Watkinson lost her battle with cancer recently

Her husband, Derrick, has vowed to fight until the end of his own life to ensure Debbie’s legacy is fulfilled.

Paying tribute to his wife, who worked tirelessly to help others in her position, he said: “She was remarkable, so big in her heart and soul and helped so many people.

“Cancer was hard as she’d worked in palliative care and knew what was going to happen but the oil made it easier and gave her some quality of life.

“I will continue her campaigning until the day I die – she didn’t want others to have to suffer.”

Mrs Watkinson leaves behind five children and nine grandchildren.

One daughter, who did not want to be named, described her 50-year-old mother as extremely anti-drug and said the cannabis was a last resort that shouldn’t be denied to others in her position.

She said: “When she was taking the oil, she was much more like herself, she was virtually pain free and more upbeat.

“She was adamant she would give the NHS its best chance at a cure – it was only when she was told she had months to live she said she had nothing to lose.

“My mum was such a strong woman and I believe in my heart that if the oil was legalised she might still be with us today.”

The founder of the Teesside Cannabis Club also paid tribute to the club’s ‘first lady’.

John Holliday said: “I’ve never known a woman with such courage and strength – her light will always shine with those she knew and touched.

“The community has lost one of its most courageous activists and the war on drugs has gained another casualty.”