An 'active' 82-year-old died of organ failure after a series of spells at hospitals across the North West after breaking his hip, an inquest has heard.

Trevor Robinson, from Fence, loved cycling, the gym and tennis, but was forced into inaction by a flare-up of a condition that caused wounds on his legs.

As a result of the flare-up of this condition, Trevor fell in his bathroom on April 16, 2020, and he broke his hip, which called for an operation at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Despite initial improvements at Burnley General Teaching Hospital and in Clitheroe Community Hospital, this operation was not a success, and other surgeries were arranged in Wrightington Hospital near Wigan on July 2 and July 16.

The doctors' efforts were frustrated by the existence of infections in the hip, as well as elsewhere in Trevor's body, the source of which was not established.

He deteriorated as a result of these infections and he was transferred to Salford Royal Hospital, where he died of organ failure on August 2.

During a two-day inquest into his death at Accrington Town Hall, Trevor's family expressed concerns to coroner Richard Taylor about the treatment he received for the wounds on his legs, then for the infections that followed.

His partner and three children had been unable to see him in the hospitals due to coronavirus restrictions, and were shocked at the rate of his deterioration.

But after evidence from several doctors and others involved in Trevor's care, Mr Taylor said the treatment was appropriate.

Before returning a narrative conclusion, he said: "I offer you, as a family, my sincere condolences for your loss. 

"I have nothing but sympathy for a family who have a loved one decline so fast when they can't see it happening. 

"They didn't have the benefit of your input and you didn't have the benefit of theirs and I sympathise enormously."

In a tribute to Trevor following the hearing, daughter Eleanore Robinson said: "He was active, always out and about. He also used to travel a lot.

"His death has left a big hole, because it was such a shock."

"He is greatly missed," she added.