Former hospitals trust chair, Ian Woolley, dies aged 91

Former chair of Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Health Authority and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Ian Woolley, died at his home in Blackburn on Tuesday, October 24.

Mr Woolley was chair of the Trust for 19 years until March 2003, and was awarded an MBE for services to the community in Blackburn with Darwen in 2019, which was presented by the now King Charles III.

His daughter Sonya said “he brought a human vibe to the hospitals as he would regularly visit patients and staff on the wards”.

He leaves behind wife Joyce, daughters Sonya, Jill and Bridget, and late son Stephen, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Born in Blackburn in 1932 to parents William and Marion, Mr Woolley attended Westholme School before moving on to Woodhill Prep School in Yorkshire, and continuing his education at Charterhouse in London.

He spent a year studying in Ohio before moving home and taking over the family pharmaceutical business, Cupal, one of Blackburn's longest-established businesses, which was founded by his grandfather in 1909.

Ian, right, with his son Stephen stood on the Swilcan Bridge at St Andrew's Links Old Course, the home of golf (Image: Woolley family)

The King Street headquarters closed in 2000 but had been taken over by SSL International some years earlier.

Mr Woolley went on to become chair of Westholme School governors between 1968 and 1992, and helped at Blackburn’s YMCA and spent many years fundraising for them.

He was also on the North West Industrial Development Board between 1989 and 1992, and chaired Aged UK in Blackburn from 2011 to 2021.

Not one to shy away from his civic duties, Mr Woolley sat as a magistrate for some 40 years, and was instrumental in raising funds for the first MRI scanner to be based at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

In 1997 along with a staggering 5,000 people, he took part in a charity walk along the newly constructed M65 to Colne, raising more than £150,000 for the scanner in the process.

Ian Woolley receiving his MBE from Prince Charles, now King Charles, in 2019 (Image: Archive)

Playing hockey as a youngster, his sporting interests soon shifted to golf, and he played regularly at Pleasington Golf Club with son Stephen, captaining the club in 1975 and sitting as club president between 1998 and 2006.

His daughter Sonya added: “He had a great appreciation for the arts and self-published books about his life.

“He loved to travel and loved sailing on Ullswater, referring to it as the centre of the universe.

“While on his travels for Cupal, he would send us postcards – I’ve never known a man who could write so much on the back of a postcard.

“He was a very kind and supportive man and was very proud of the achievements of his children and grandchildren.

“He loved organising family gatherings and would always like to take a mass family photo at every event.”

Ian Woolley (Image: Archive)

Chief Executive of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Martin Hodgson said: "Everyone at the Trust was saddened to hear about the death of Ian Woolley, who was passionate about and dedicated to ensuring local people had the best health services possible.

"Ian was the Trust’s first chairman and held this role for 19 years, but then returned to lead our Patient Participation Panel in 2019, which he did until he retired last year.

"As a local business and family man, he was well respected and highly regarded by colleagues. Many have been sharing their memories and commenting about his dedication and energy, as well as remembering his contribution to the success of East Lancashire Hospitals.

"Our thoughts are with his family who should be very proud of the legacy Ian leaves behind and everything he achieved. We are grateful for everything he did for the Trust.”

Mr Woolley’s funeral will take place at Pleasington Crematorium on November 9. The service will be a private one for family and close friends only.

Afterwards, a formal celebration of his life will be held at Beeston Manor near Hoghton from 2.30pm.

His family has asked for family flowers only, but have said any donations can be made to Age UK Blackburn and East Lancashire Hospice.