Generous donations continue to flood in for stranded stroke victim

David Blackburn is desperately trying to return his mum home to Foulridge. David is pictured with his mum, Doreen, his dad, Maurice and brother, Michael.

Former Pendle nurse Doreen Blackburn (78) remains in the Red Cross rehabilitation centre in Portugal, having suffered two major strokes.

But while the family have now raised over £8,000 out of the £12,000 they need to get her home, they only have until March 31st to raise the remaining £4,000.

Fund-raisers have been held throughout East Lancashire.

Most recently a full weekend of activities was held at the Morris Dancers, in Colne.

The family would like to thank all the staff at the venue for their help and support at the event, which included a coffee morning, karaoke and soul and motown night. And they extend their thanks to everybody who continues to contribute to their fund.

Lloyd Riding and Jonathan Scott raised money by having a sponsored leg wax, Doreen’s grandson Tony Blackburn had a Coco Bongo spray tan and bleached his hair blonde, raising over £600, Paul Hargreaves raised £47 by having his head shaved, and John Walsh braved a sponsored body wax.

Doreen’s daughter-in-law Pamela Blackburn, of Sycamore Rise, Foulridge, said: “The weekend was fantastic and we raised over £1,000.

“Last week we thought they were going to send Doreen somewhere else on March 17th, but we petitioned against it and we have now found out that the centre have agreed to keep her until March 31st.”

A cake sale was held at the Burnley Express office, in Bull Street, on Thursday.

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/yimby/bringbackdoreen. Alternatively ring Dave or Pamela on 861503 or 866748, or email [email protected]