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Maureen Hartley

28/11/2008

A SPORTS fanatic who ran the London Marathon six times in nine years has died after a battle with cancer.

Mrs Maureen Hartley, 53, of Burnley Road, Accrington, died in the Royal Blackburn Hospital on Saturday from breast cancer.

She was diagnosed six years ago and underwent radiotherapy and had her lymph nodes removed.

Husband Sherman said: "She only took six weeks off work and then went on to run a further three London Marathons. She believed in living life to the full."

Unfortunately the aggressive cancer returned in July and after undergoing chemotherapy the family was told by doctors there was nothing more they could do.

Mrs Hartley was admitted to the Royal Blackburn Hospital on 6 November and died on Saturday.

Mr Hartley added: "No matter how long you knew her, she made a lasting impression. She was the love of my life."

Other people have also paid tribute to the well-loved woman, including Harry Haseley, vice-president of Accrington Road Runners.

He said: "Maureen was a really good member of the club and she participated in most social events that were going on. She raised a lot of money for charity in the past. She will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with Sherman and the family."

Mrs Hartley worked as care manager for Primecare in Burnley and previously held similar positions in Blackpool, Blackburn and Darwen and Hyndburn.

She also worked for the mediation service SMILE, Victim Support and at Karrimor. She was also a member of the Labour Party and the Transport and General Workers’ Union.

She enjoyed running, going to the gym, cycling and walking. She was an active member of Accrington Road Runners and had raised money for various charities from her London Marathon sponsorship.

Mrs Hartley was a member of JJB, the Dunkenhalgh and Sportlife gyms.

She also enjoyed travelling, musical theatre and shows, going to concerts and spending time with her family.

As well as her husband, she leaves children Brent, Deborah and Thomas, parents Doreen and Eddie, mother-in-law and father-in-law Doreen and Jim, and grandchildren Kyle, Callum, Charley and Scarlett.

She was also the sister of the late John.

The funeral will take place at Accrington Crematorium on Monday

Arrangements: Kirby and Hughes.