The travel industry has paid tribute to former BP Travel Marketing Services business development manager Brenda Martin following her death this week.
Brenda, nee Williams, died on Tuesday. She was 56 and had battled cancer for nearly four and a half years. She was forced to give up work shortly after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008.
She was married to Steve Martin, sales and marketing director of BP Travel Marketing Services, which was acquired by Menzies Distribution in November 2012.
Brenda was well-known in the travel trade after 16 years at former ferry operator Sally Line UK, and 12 years at travel brochure distribution and consumer marketing services company BP Travel Marketing Services, where she started in 1996 as sales and marketing manager and became business development manager.
Often nicknamed “Lovely Bren”, she will be remembered in particular for her glamorous looks and fun personality.
Steve said: “She had such a special way about her and everyone who knew her loved her. She was glamorous right up until the end.
“I look back with such fondness at all the travel conferences. We used to go to around half a dozen every year together.
“It was almost inevitable that we became a couple: we just got on so well and enjoyed each other’s company. We were both from Broadstairs and worked together at Sally Line and BP.”
Manuel Mascarenhas, who heads up Wendy Wu Tours’ destination management company in Europe, was among industry colleagues and friends to pay tribute to Brenda.
He said: “She took such pride in her work, her appearance and her husband Steve. She was full of positive energy and that winning smile, which lit up a room when she made an entrance. We will miss her dearly.”
Close friend Jane Dyson, managing director of Menzies Marketing Services, said: “Brenda was loved by everyone. She oozed personality and positivity.
“She will be missed by so many people in the industry as she had many friends. My heart goes out to Steve who has lost his soul mate.”
Explore head of marketing Michelle Laverick added: “I’ve known Brenda for as long as I’ve been in travel and she was a true friend for life. She always had time for everyone and always had a massive smile. We had many laughs and tears over the years and some amazing nights out – where she would always be the centre of attention! She and Steve made the perfect couple. She will be missed by us all but hopefully now she can rest in peace, pain free.”
Superbreak sales director Jane Atkins said: “Brenda was a true lady, who faced this horrible disease with absolute dignity. We will remember the joyful times and happy moments shared, and take some comfort from the fact that she is no longer suffering. She will be sadly missed.”
Brenda leaves Steve, Steve’s two daughters Alex, 21, and Kayleigh, 18, one sister and four brothers. Her funeral is being held on January 23, at 1pm at St Peter’s Church, Broadstairs.
Donations, if so desired, should be made to Pilgrims Hospices, c/o Blackburn’s Funeral Service, 7 Buckingham Road, Broadstairs, Kent, CT 1QR, instead of flowers.
For details of the service contact Steve on steve.martin@bptms.co.uk.