A COMMUNITY care worker who was worried about his sick mother died from a heart attack, aged 33, just a day before she lost her battle against cancer.

Ian Dunston, known as Matty, was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary with chest pains on Friday and medics worked for two hours in a vain attempt to save him.

His mother Joyce Nash, 70, died the following day. She had recently returned to her home in Ferrier Close, Blackburn, after treatment at the Christie Hospital, Manchester.

Ian's devastated wife, district nurse Anita, 45, of Heatherleigh Gardens, Oakdale, Blackburn, said: "It's very sad. Ian was under a lot of stress before he died because of his mum's illness. His father also died young.

"The paramedics and staff at casualty were fantastic and I can't thank them enough for their efforts to save him.

"He was such a bubbly, laid-back man who never frowned. He loved life and lived it to the full."

Ian was employed by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council as a community care worker for people with learning difficulties.

He leaves stepchildren Katie and Duncan, stepfather Stan, brothers Paul and Stuart and sisters Sue and Carol.

Anita added: "Ian's blood was blue and white. He had been a big Blackburn Rovers fan since he was 14. He worked at the ground and also went to the away matches. "He was also a member of Blackburn Golf Club and really enjoyed the sport. He has hundreds of friends and everybody is devastated."

The funeral will take place at Pleasington Crematorium on Monday, at 1pm.

Mrs Nash's funeral service is being held at Trinity United Reformed Church, Brownhill, Blackburn, tomorrow at 11.30pm followed by cremation at Pleasington.

The family has asked for donations to The Heart of Lancashire Appeal instead of flowers.

Blackburn Rovers safety officer John Newham paid tribute to Ian who became a friend to many during his 19 years at Ewood Park.

He said: "He will be sadly missed by all at Rovers because he was a true professional. He wasn't just a steward but a friend to many people.

"Because he was always laughing and joking and so good natured, he was the sort of person you wanted to be associated with."

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