Nostalgic dance in memory of cancer victim

4:36pm Friday 11th April 2008

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A NOSTALGIC dance is being held in memory of a Stacksteads grandmother-of-eight who died from bowel cancer.

Elaine Boys, who was married to Brian Boys - founder of property developers B&E Boys in Waterfoot, passed away in January after a 18-month battle.

Now a forties and fifties night is being held at St Mary's Chambers in Rawtenstall to raise cash for Rossendale Hospice, which helped care for her.

Former Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar pupil Elaine, 67, had three sons - John, Michael and Peter and eight grandchildren.

She worked as a book keeper and company secretary for B&E Boys for 30 years and was well known as a fitness instructor and a telephonist for the GPO in the Valley in her younger days.

Her daughter-in-law, Erica Boys said she was the "backbone" of setting up the business 50 years ago.

She has organised the event with her sister-in-laws Jodie and Jane Boys, Elaine's sister Anne Crane and staff at the Boys' office.

She said: "Rossendale Hospice At Home looked after Elaine in the final stages of her battle against cancer and the nurses were absolutely fantastic.

"They stayed through the night and visited three and four times a day. They were really caring and considerate and were a great help to Elaine and to Brian.

"The hospice has premises at Rossendale Hospital for those undergoing chemotherapy but this home service allowed Elaine to die at home, which is what she wanted.

"We can't praise them highly enough and all the family wanted to pay something back through charitable giving.

"We thought the dance would be a good idea because Brian is very enthusiastic about the military and the 40s era and all Elaine's friends are of a smiliar age so we thought they would enjoy it."

The dance is being held on Friday, May 9 and popular band Swing Commanders and DJ GI Jive will provide the evening's entertainment.

There will be a hot supper and tickets are available for a minimum donation of £15 each from B&E Boys' offices on 01706 211368 or 01706 211452.

The family are also planning a formal ball in October at the Fence Gate Hotel, also in aid of Rossendale Hospice at Home.