Now tributes have been paid to the woman behind a community radio and education project following her death last month. 

Such was her dedication, Dawn Jackson was made an MBE for services to young people after setting up Future Projects in Norwich. 

Formerly known as the NR5 Project, and now known simply as Future, the charity works to unlock the potential of more deprived communities through programmes and services which help to empower change - Future Support, Future Education and Future Radio.

It began in 2000 with two volunteers and went on to help thousands of people. It now provides a community-based, open access venue that delivers an array of services and activities. 

Unsurprisingly, she has been hailed as a hero for helping those most in need, as well as becoming a familiar face to those involved with city life. 

Tributes have poured in since the news of her death was announced. 

Dawn Jackson has died aged 62 (Image: Newsquest)

The mum-of-three, she was brought up in a single-parent family in Battersea, London. 

Born on October 23, 1963, she lived with her mum, Molly, who was a cook, together with her two older brothers, Terry and Kevin. 

She left school when she was 15 and moved to Norwich the following year. 

Back in 2000, the project started with just two volunteers, Mrs Jackson and fellow founder Sonia Bush. Together, they wanted to make a difference to the lives of the young people in the North Earlham, Larkman and Marlpit area.  

At the time, the estate was hitting newspaper headlines due to anti-social behaviour and crime in the area. 

The project first started in West Earlham Community Centre with a pool table, cans of coke and “sheer will and hard work” in a bid to cut down crime and to help give socially excluded youngsters a future.  

The project then moved to the Spinney at what was then Earlham High School, now known as the City Academy, serving expelled youngsters from the school.  

It later won East of England Development Agency funding to move into Motum Road, where it has been based ever since. On the site there is a purpose-built radio station, recording studio and classrooms. 

Over in Knowland Grove, there is the Baseline Centre which houses a cafe and outreach service for the community.  

Mrs Jackson, who lived in Ketteringham, had previously worked as a welfare officer and in mental health. Previously, she described working with kids as her “passion”. 

And despite moving from the capital, Norwich - and in particular the west Norwich community - was where her heart remained.  

“Norwich is my home,” she told this newspaper during an interview in 2010. “It’s the most amazing place to live. 

“There’s so much creativity. Norwich is the best.”  

Dawn Jackson's MBE medal (Image: Newsquest)

On receiving her MBE that same year, she said: “I was astounded to be made a MBE, really astounded. I didn’t think people like me were made MBEs.

“We never as a project seek awards so to be nominated was a huge honour. I nearly passed out when I received the letter. 

"We will always fight for this community and anyone else who needs us. I need to fight for this community because my heart is here.” 

She was awarded the EDP's Most Inspiring Norfolk Figure award. 

Dawn Jackson has died aged 62 (Image: Newsquest)

Paying tribute following her death, her family said: “She has always been helping people in some way.

“It was phenomenal the breadth of people we met and she knew. 

“She was always on the go and was needed by so many people all the time. There is nothing she would not have done. 

"She gave the majority of her life to helping people and now she can now finally rest.” 

Mrs Jackson died in her sleep at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital on February 21, aged 62.  

She leaves behind her son and two daughters, Charly, Laura and Jem, and three grandchildren. 

A funeral will take place at Earlham Crematorium on Wednesday, March 11 at 12.30pm. Donations for The Matthew Project are welcomed via the Much Loved online memorial tribute site at www.rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk

To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.

© Norwich Evening News