FAMILY and friends of a Rossendale woman who lost her battle with cancer just before she turned 60 have started a fundraising campaign in her memory.

Ann Stott, who worked at the Glory pub, in Loveclough, was diagnosed with lung cancer last May and, despite intensive treatment, died in December.

Since then, friends at the Burnley Road pub, where she worked for more than 12 years, have banded together to raise funds for the hospital where she was treated.

The fundraising team have held numerous events, including a bonfire night and quiz evenings, helping to raise £2,700 to thank Manchester's Christie Hospital.

Pub landlady Lesley Knott said: "Ann had hoped to keep working right up until she was due to retire last Christmas.

"Unfortunately, the illness forced her to finish work early and she didn't make it to her birthday.

"When it came to deciding which charity to support this year, Christie's was the obvious choice and we were pleased to do what we could to help beat this terrible disease."

Sadly, Ann didn't live long enough to see her son, Darren, and his fiance Louise get married recently.

Lesley added: "It was a real shame, but I think the family felt better knowing that Ann had been involved in all the planning and preparations.

"She was a remarkable woman and we will do all we can to help continue to raise money in her memory."

A presentation was held earlier this week when Ann's husband, Jack, thanked the fundraisers for their efforts.

All Together for Christie's volunteer Joan West added: "We are delighted that Ann's friends have decided to raise funds for the hospital.

"The hospital is based in Manchester but, because of its specialist nature, patients travel to The Christie from all over the North West and beyond.

"As one of the leading cancer research centres, Christie's plays a central role in looking for new ways to diagnose and cure cancer.

"In addition to NHS funding, The Christie receives a significant amount of money every year through its charity.''