CLUB rivalries have been temporarily set aside in the lead-up to this weekend’s East Lancashire derby to continue the legacy of a dedicated fan who died last year.

Both Rovers and Clarets fans have been keen to raise funds in tribute to Janice Fretwell, 55, who died in November after a long battle with cancer.

Mrs Fretwell was born and grew up in Mill Hill, Blackburn, but later moved to Burnley where she became a diehard Burnley fan and the Clarets Football Supporters' Club treasurer.

Mrs Fretwell, who left husband Gary, 57, and son Marc, 28, was a patient at The Christie in Manchester where she underwent 11 treatments in nine years. Doctors told her family that it was the record number of times a patient had undergone that type of therapy.

Since her death both sets of supporters have raised funds for The Christie and are stepping up their effort prior to the big game on Sunday.

Janice’s brother John King is a Rovers fan from Lower Darwen who will be attending the game this weekend.

He said: “As a Blackburn woman and a Burnley supporter Janice was very well thought of in both towns. The supporters’ club in Burnley held a generous collection in her memory and Elaine Whittingham, who works at Blackburn Rovers, has organised some fundraising events.

“The club are having a dress down day on Wednesday and raffled off both a Jordan Rhodes and Charlie Austin signed shirt at the Blues Bar screening of the Millwall FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday. It’s so gratifying that Janice remains in people’s thoughts and touching that fans and staff and both clubs have helped so much.”

Almost £2,000 has already been raised.

Mr King said that he was hopeful the final sum would be handed over to The Christie by Janice’s dear friend and former Clarets player, Graham Branch, for whom she organised various testimonial events.