A FORMER personal banker at Barclays in Burnley and Blackburn has died after a brave fight against ovarian cancer.

Gail Simpson, 61, passed away at her home in Smithyfield Avenue, Worsthorne, surrounded by her family.

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And now in her memory her family aim to raise £10,000 over the next 12 months for Pendleside Hospice.

Gail worked at Barclays for 35 years before joining the Department for Works and Pensions at Simonstone.

A former pupil at Towneley High School, Burnley, Gail was married to Alan Simpson, deputy editor of the Lancashire Telegraph, and had two daughters Laura, 27, and Hannah, 23, and two stepsons Mark, 35, and Jon Paul, 31.

A keen Burnley fan, Gail was well known in the vice-presidents’ lounge at Turf Moor.

Close family friend, former Clarets manager Stan Ternent, said: “My wife Kath and I have just lost a very dear friend.

“We have been fortunate enough to have spent many happy times over the years with Gail, Alan and our families both at home and abroad.

“We will miss her smiling face and zest for life. She was unique and will be sadly missed by many.”

And former Mayor of Burnley, Coun David Heginbotham, said: “Gail was a lovely lady. We have many memories of her and her lovely smile”

Husband Alan said: “While Gail was referred to the hospice she didn’t actually live long enough to go there but received support from their hospice at home service.

“In her memory we would like to raise £10,000 during the next 12 months for Pendleside with a variety of functions, which we will announce later.”

Gail’s funeral will be at 10.45am at St John the Evangelist Church, Worsthorne, on Wednesday, December 10, followed by cremation at Burnley Crematorium at noon.

At the moment appeal donations can be sent to Alderson and Horan Funeral Services, 128 Rossendale Road, Burnley, BB1 5DH.

The family are asking for donations instead of flowers.