In 2019 my mum was first diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer, she was cared for by the amazing team at The Evergreen Suite in Bolton, right up to ringinging the bell for the last chemotherpy session, the inspirational team were there for my mum every step of the way.

Unfortunatley in January 2022 my mum got the devasting news upon finding a small pea sized lump that her breast cancer had returned, she now had secondary breast cancer, again the fantastic nurses at The Evergreen Suite showed emense care and compassion, they enusred she had all the support she needed for the tough battle she was now facing.

During her treatment my mum was told that the cancer had now spread to her bones, this was incurable but manageable through pain relief and chemotherapy.

The Evergreen Suite made these difficult moments a lot more bearable for my mum, through this network of support my mum reached out to cancer patients around the world to offer her support to those going through a simliar situation.

My mum found great strength knowing she was able to support many others, whether that be a call, a hug or a shoulder to cry on.

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RNLI TRIBUTE 🛟⚓️

Debbie’s connection with our station started in 2003 when our lifeboats launched to help Debbie and her husband, Ian, after they suffered a jet ski accident off Blackpool. Tragically Ian died in the accident but Debbie survived and became a passionate supporter of the RNLI and the volunteers who had rescued her and tried to save Ian.

In the years that followed Debbie organised events, took on fundraising challenges, gave talks about her RNLI experience, volunteered in our shop and spent hours collecting with buckets in order to raise thousands of pounds to allow us to continue saving lives at sea. In 2017 Debbie even established a new RNLI Fundraising Branch in Blackburn and Darwen to raise further awareness and funds for the RNLI.

In addition to her fundraising activities, Debbie also became a friend to all of us and always ensured we had a constant supply of biscuits and treats to enjoy after a call out or exercise.

Debbie was an inspiration and we will always be grateful to her for everything she did to support our station but more importantly we will always be thankful for her friendship, courage, kindness and generosity.

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My mum leaves behind not only a big hole in many peoples lives but also a legacy of fundraising and supporting many others.

My mum had been a great supporter of both these charities, her final wishes were for her fundraising legacy to carry on, please donate what you can, thank you for your genrosity.

Matthew Hales (Debbies proud son)