Dr Karen Hester rose through the ranks from cleaner to chief operating officer at the Southwold pubs and brewery group.

She retired in April 2024 after 36 years with the business and died on January 4 after what friends described as a "bravely fought" health battle over recent months.

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She joined as a part-time cleaner back in 1988 and went on to work in procurement, logistics and customer services.

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