THE family of a mother-of-two, who died on Boxing Day last year when she was knocked down outside her home, said they have been given 'a life sentence' following her death.

Susan Shaw, 47 from Rishton, was walking on High Street in Rishton shortly before 6pm on Boxing Day when she was hit by a Vauxhall Corsa, being driven by Damian Raeburn, who was being pursued by police prior to the incident.

The accident caused her catastrophic injuries and Susan died at the scene.

Raeburn, 31, from Accrington, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance at Burnley Crown Court and has been warned he faces a significant time behind bars when he is sentenced on February 21.

Annette Shaw, Susan’s mother, said after the plea hearing: “While there is some relief at the decision taken by the defendant to take responsibility for his actions today and plead guilty, nothing can undo what has happened.

"Or help mend the huge impact on mine and the rest of the family’s lives and take away our pain.

“The whole family remains traumatised by Susan’s death.

"As a family, we believe we have been given a life sentence and that my daughter has been taken away too early and her two beautiful, vulnerable children are now left without a mother and a carer.

“Susan was a much loved and cherished family member, and a well-loved member of the community. She was always generous with her time, with both friends and strangers alike.

"It is heartbreaking what has happened to her. She did not deserve it.”

The charity fundraiser was a carer for her two adult children, Leanne, 27, and Adam, 25.

Leanne suffers from severe epilepsy, absences and requires one to one care.

Adam also suffers from severe epilepsy, but he also is unable to speak and needs help eating and washing.

Since Susan’s death, local charity group ‘Switch On Rishton Group’, of which Susan was an active member, have been working on planting a tree in Susan’s memory and fundraising for the family.

A fundraising disco has been organised in memory of Susan. It will take place at Rishton Conservative Club on February 2, from 7.30pm. Entry costs £5 and the DJ is Steve Elliot and proceeds will go to Susan’s family.