Loretto Lambe, the founder of Pamis, passed away following a battle with skin cancer

The husband of Loretto Lambe, the founder of learning disability charity Pamis, has described his wife as a “remarkable lady”.

Loretto, 72, passed away on 17 October. She had been battling metastatic melanoma – a form of skin cancer.

Professor James Hogg, who was married to her for 40 years, added: “I’m proud to have worked with her and been married to her.”

Loretto retired in January having served 22 years with Pamis as chief executive.

In a statement the charity described her as an “inspirational leader” adding “she will be remembered for all her work in the field of learning disability and beyond.”

Loretto found Pamis in 1992. She succeeded in getting the charity of the ground with limited resources bolstered by the support of Professor Hogg, who is an expert if the field of learning disabilities.

After a difficult few years Pamis was awarded a grant from the Scottish Executive to develop a family support service in three areas in Scotland and this proved the foundation of future achievements.

The charity which is based at Dundee University now has a team of 20 and continues to work on a number of fronts to enable inclusion and improve quality of life

Professor Tim Kelly, of the University of Dundee, described Loretto as “a dedicated, forceful and tireless advocate for people with learning disabilities and their families”.

He added: “Through her work at Pamis she touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of disabled people and their families, students at universities across Scotland, health and social care professionals, government officials at local, Scottish and UK wide levels, and professionals across the globe.

“Loretto will be sorely missed. Her forceful energy will live on in Pamis and the School of Education and Social work and the wider university remain committed to supporting Pamis to promote a more inclusive society.”