Super-fit family raise funds for care team in memory of former Ribble Valley nurse

Violet "Vi" Robson, of Sabden, died on Good Friday aged 76 after a 17-year battle against breast cancer.

And intrepid daughter Jacqui Ashton, husband Mark and daughter Bethany, all of Sabden, along with son James Haworth and his partner, Danni Davies, both of Clitheroe, raised £1,549.75 for the specialist palliative care team at Accrington Victoria Community Hospital from a sponsored "56 for Vi" challenge.

The fearsome five undertook 56 eye-watering minutes of high-intensity workouts for 56 consecutive days, including 56 squats, burpees, push-ups and sit-ups – 56 being Jacqui’s age.

Jacqui, a lecturer in health and social care at Nelson and Colne College, said: “Mum was a force to be reckoned with and was well-known as a former nurse, having worked at hospitals and nursing homes across East Lancashire.

“She battled cancer for 17 years and we will never forget her strength, which is why we took on a challenge to test our resilience.

“We wanted to do something to thank the specialist palliative care team for the support they gave us, while we looked after mum during lockdown.

“They were incredible during a very difficult time for the health service and as well as visiting mum regularly they phoned every day to offer us support and encouragement.

“These specialist nurses have one of the hardest jobs in the world and we will be toasting them with a well-earned glass of champagne now that our challenge is over.”

A spokesman for the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Since the start of March, the support we have received from the community has been truly overwhelming.

“We have been inundated with generous donations and have been able to create and distribute care boxes for staff.

“We have been particularly impressed by the unique challenges our fundraisers have undertaken to raise money throughout the pandemic and cannot express our gratitude enough for this inspirational act of kindness.”

Violet Robson was a specialist geriatric nurse, who worked at hospitals and nursing homes throughout East Lancashire, including Clitheroe Community Hospital, Accrington Victoria Community Hospital and the Hollies Nursing Home in Clayton-le-Moors, where she retired as matron in 2003.

She was a devoted member of St Mary’s RC Church, Sabden, and over the years raised money for the Pendleside Hospice, Rosemere Cancer Foundation and various breast cancer charities.

She is survived by her husband, Edward, daughters Jacqui and Theresa, and grandchildren James and Bethany.