THE 'brains' behind the formation of Rossendale Hospice is set to stand down as chairwoman after seeing the hospice grow from an idea into what it is today.

Dorothy Mitchell, 69, of Rising Bridge, had a vision 18 years ago to provide a service for people in Rossendale suffering from terminal illnesses.

This vision was realised when she took early retirement from the successful business she set up when she came back from working as a ward sister in Zambia.

After working in the African country in charge of the children's ward until 1962, Dorothy, who has five children and eight grandchildren, came back to Rossendale to set up the Musbury Fabrics, based in Helmshore.

When she retired, she left the company in the hands of her children so she could focus her attention on establishing a home care service for terminally ill people.

This started in 1986, before it grew and moved to the 'The Bungalow,' based at Rossendale Hospital, Rawtenstall -- providing a base for people with terminal illnesses.

In 1996, the hospice raised £284,000 to refurbish the ground-floor of Cribden House, at Rossendale Hospital, which is from where the hospice now operates.

It provides many services such as an acute day care for people in need of respite care, an early diagnosis service for people who need help in coping with their illness, an acute child bereavement service for children who have lost loved ones, an adult bereavement service, a carers group, an out-patient clinic and other services such as complimentary therapies.

Dorothy said: "I have seen it grow into what it is today. The foundations are there, so it's up to the people now in charge to take it forward. They have got brilliant staff and smashing volunteers who make the hospice what it is.

"It has been my baby, I have seen it grow and now it's time for me to stand back and watch it flourish."

Elaine Swarbrick, Services Co-ordinator at the hospice, said: "Dorothy is wonderful and she has a wonderful brain.

"She will be missed tremendously but she has told us she will always be available if we need her."

It has been her baby and for her it's been like watching a child grow up so she will always be around if we want her."

Dorothy will assume the role as vice chairman while Christine Durkin takes over as chairman.

Christine retired as director of nursing in Oldham at Christmas and was a founder trustee at the hospice when it was established.

Dorothy said: "Christine has the relevant product knowledge and experience to be able to take the hospice forward. I will help as much as I can in my capacity as vice chairman although I am not going to interfere because its time for me to leave it to somebody else

"I have always had ideas above my stations but that's how you get things to happen. We have always worked alongside the NHS to provide the service we have here today in Rossendale."