The family of a 21-year-old, who died after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, are set to honour her and others who have died by supporting a memorial event.

Pendleside Hospice’s Memories On The Lake campaign, set to take place at Burnley's Thompson Park in May, will be a time to reflect and cherish the precious memories of loved ones.

It is hoped that the event will provide families and friends with the opportunity to celebrate the memory they hold of a loved one whilst at the same time raising valuable funding through donations during the evening to support the work of the Hospice.

The family of Brierfield’s Rachel Husband, who died of after battling a brain tumour in 2009, will be supporting the hospice’s event.

Lancashire Telegraph: Rachel Husband, who died after battling a brain tumour in 2009. Rachel Husband, who died after battling a brain tumour in 2009. (Image: Pendleside Hospice)

In the last few days of her life she was cared for on the inpatient unit at Pendleside having been supported by the Day Services unit earlier.

The unit had even organised a ‘pink’ 21st birthday party for her just six weeks before she died.

Her family were so grateful for the care Rachel received that several members have volunteered on a regular basis since her passing.

Mum Cheryl, a nursery nurse, helps with cleaning and laundry at the hospice.

Dad Simon, who works as a volunteer co-ordinator for child services, gives his time to help with spiritual care; and uncle Andrew volunteers on reception.

And her best friend Leah Hooper, Pendleside’s community engagement officer, joined the hospice’s fundraising team as a direct result of the care Rachel had received in her last six months.

Cheryl said: “We are so grateful for everything Pendleside provided for Rachel during her illness and are delighted in any way we can to help the hospice.

“Memories On the Lake is set to be very special event offering the opportunity to cherish those precious memories you may have of someone you have lost whether over the last 35 years or beyond.

“We hope that everyone will support the event so that the hospice can continue to serve the Burnley and Pendle communities with the palliative care it provides for many years to come.”

Rachel was a keen sportswoman playing football for the Accrington and Rossendale College’s Women’s football team and cricket for the Barrowford Juniors and Girls teams.

Leah said: “We had known each other since we were babies and along with our families attended the Mission Church in Nelson.

"It was seeing the care she received at Pendleside that made me decide that this was the place I wanted to work and make a contribution to.”

At least 1,000 glowing floating lanterns are expected to be released on the lake in Thompson Park, Burnley, as part of the Memories On The Lake campaign, which is set to take place on May 20.

For those who wish, and are able to be involved, the event will start with a special memory walk from the grounds of Pendleside Hospice Reedley to Thompson Park.

The special celebration of remembrance service will then take place at 8pm as dusk settles over the park and the lanterns, will then be launched over the lake. The service will include special performances from a choir, dancers and a harpist.

The Memories On The Lake event this year replaces the annual Sunflower Appeal, as part of Pendleside’s special birthday celebrations.

Sarah Holdsworth, the hospice fundraiser in charge of the event, said: “We are asking as many people as possible to take part in our memory walk and walk with us to the park for the service

"In Thompson Park those who attend the service can add a unique dedicated message to their lantern, then set their glowing lantern afloat alongside others. The light shining brightly across the water will reflect the loving memories people have shared.

"There will also be the opportunity to have your loved ones picture displayed on a large screen at the side of the lake during the service.

"You do not need to have used the services of Pendleside Hospice to take part in this event, it is open to all who want a special time and place to remember a loved one.

"If individuals or families can’t attend but would like their loved ones name to be included the Hospice can arrange for a light to be floated in their memory.”

For further information and sign up for the walk or a book a lantern people should visit www.pendleside.org.uk/memories-on-the-lake or call 01282 440120.