SHE was the woman who fought to get things done in the Hampshire community where she lived, but there was one fight she couldn’t win.

When Tara Scougall lost her 11-month battle with cancer, her family wanted to make sure that something positive came out of her death.

At the 43-year old’s funeral in Houghton her husband James decided to raise cash for a cause which meant so much to her.

Because she was a keen sailor and would often sail on the waters outside Warsash, he and his parents-in-law asked for donations to be made to the RNLI.

In the few weeks since then friends, family and people who knew Tara have helped to raise more than £16,000 for the lifeboat volunteers who risk their lives out on Britain’s waters every day.

Now James, his children Eleanor, nine, and Edward, eight, and friends of Tara want to raise enough cash to buy a lifeboat for the RNLI.

Over the course of the next two years they want to raise £1.2million for the 44ft live-saving craft.

He hopes to smash the bottle of Dom Perignon champagne he and Tara had intended to open to celebrate with against the side of a £2.1million Shannon class vessel and name it in her memory.

James, 43, said: “We said that when she beats this we will open it. Then clearly we didn’t get to that point, that’s why I have to find something else to do with it.”

He added that it was because of her father she was involved in sailing which “was part of who she was”.

“Tara thought the RNLI was the most worthy charity. Wherever you go there are volunteers going out saving people’s lives.”

Ali O’Neill, RNLI philanthropy manager, said: “As a charity we rely on the generous donations given to us by our supporters. We are really grateful for the generosity of the family and friends of Tara Scougall at this difficult time.

“We are working with the family to find a fitting and lasting tribute to Tara. All donations, no matter how big or small, make a massive difference to our lifesaving service and we are looking forward to supporting the Scougall’s fundraising efforts.”

James admitted that the target for £1.2million was very high but added: “You’ve got to set the bar high. If you set the bar low you’re not going to get anywhere. Tara didn’t do things if they weren’t done properly.”

Born in south London, Tara worked for a number of firms including Microsoft and Expedia while she was living in Hampshire.

Her parents, John and Diana Betts, have a house in Swanwick and their yacht, Emma B, is moored in Warsash.

Married to James for 15 years, she was the chairman of the May Fayre event in Upper Clatford and Anna Valley when she was living there.

Tara was also involved in the parent-teacher associations for both the Pilgrim’s School and St Swithun’s School, both in Winchester.

It was on the fourth day after moving to Houghton that she stepped onto the Houghton village hall committee.

One of her biggest achievements was to renovate the furniture in the village.

One of her friends, Clare Stephens, who she first met six years ago when the Scougall’s first moved there said her “passing has left a huge hole in village life” adding that she had a large circle of friends.

She said: “Tara made a huge impact in our village - she was on the parish council and village hall committee and took part in so many events in the village as well as running her home and a successful self storage business.”

Houghton Parish Councillor Ingrid Burt said she was “always the first to volunteer”.

“She was a complete breath of fresh air, bringing enthusiasm, energy and a brilliant “can do” attitude. Nothing was too much trouble for Tara,” she said.

Many of her friends and fellow villagers will come together tomorrow morning (Saturday February 20) at 10.45am to plant three trees at the village hall where she worked to renovate.

To help Tara’s family and friends with their cause visit www.justgiving.com/remember/249450/Tara-Scougall or email tara@scougall.com

BRAINBOXES can help James and Tara’s friends and family create a lasting legacy for her by putting their knowledge to the test with a pub quiz.

Teams of six can take part in the event at The Boot Inn in Houghton on Tuesday February 23 at 8pm.

Admission £3 per person. Booking advised as spaces limited. Meals served from 6pm.

Call 01794 388310 to reserve your space.