A PENDLE parish councillor who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in August died at his home on Christmas Day.
Andrew Wilson (57), of Cocker Hill, Foulridge, had been a member of the village council since 1991 and had been its chairman five times.
Born in Colne, Mr Wilson was educated at St Michael and All Angels’ Primary School, Foulridge, and Colne Grammar School, and on leaving school began working on the family farm, something he continued to do until becoming ill.
Over the last few months of his life, with the help of family and friends, he raised thousands of pounds for Yorkshire-based charity Brain Tumour Research and Support.
After being diagnosed, Mr Wilson was treated at Airedale General Hospital and St James’s Hospital, Leeds. He kept his wide circle of friends updated on his treatment through regular internet messages.
A keen fan of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, Mr Wilson was delighted to receive a message of support from the club’s manager, Harry Redknapp, in the early stages of his illness.
He was a keen photographer, one of whose shots was used on the front cover of a recent publication on the history of Foulridge, and was a drummer with several rock music bands from the 1980s.
Mr Wilson is survived by a daughter, Rachel, and a son, Richard.
His funeral will take place at St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Foulridge, on Tuesday, the Rev. Priestly Brook officiating.
Family flowers only are being received but donations can be made to Barnoldswick and Earby Bosom Friends, Pendleside Hospice or Brain Tumour Research and Support via Helliwells Funeral Service, Colne (tel. 870898).