A devoted carer passed away suddenly on her 47th birthday.

Elaine Hargreaves, from Accrington, was taken into hospital on the evening of Tuesday, June 2 and passed away early on Thursday, June 4 surrounded by her loving family.

Elaine, who had four children and was a proud grandmother of seven, worked as a carer for around 30 years and most recently worked at Hynd Brook House on Dale Street in Accrington for five years.

She lived in Accrington all her life and devoted herself to her family and her work as a carer, often “going the extra mile” to help anyone who needed her.

Husband of 19 years Steven said her death was a ‘big shock’ and the cause of death was still a mystery.

He said: “We don’t know yet. She went to hospital on Tuesday night and we were all there on Thursday when she passed away.

“She was not fit and healthy but we never expected this to happen.”

Mr Hargreaves, 53, who works in the building trade, said understandably ‘all the children are very upset’.

He said: “We were going to do what normal people do on a birthday like going out for somewhere to eat. It’s not a nice thing to happen.”

As well as the devoted and loving wife of Steven, Elaine was much loved mum of Samantha, Rachel, Jordan, Becky and their partners, cherished nan of Sophie, Bradley, Olivia, Alfie, Alice, Maisie and Lottie and also a dear sister, relative and good friend to many.

Her funeral service will be held at St Mary Magdalen’s Church in Accrington on Friday, June 19 at 10am and she will be laid to rest at Accrington Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome to the Chapel of Rest or donations may be made via www.champfunerals.com/obituaries . Enquiries to funeral director Champ Funeral Services, Bank House, Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, Accrington.