ANNIVERSARIES are often the most difficult time for people who have lost loved ones.

For many people the most difficult of all these are birthdays, when celebration is replaced with sorrow, when thoughts for the future are replaced with reflection on the past.

Cancer sufferer Catherine Kearney would have just celebrated her 25th birthday.

The Blackburn resident battled the disease for two-and-a-half years and today her legacy lives on through a cancer fundraising group she helped to set up.

Her mum Joan, 52, of Spinning Avenue, Guide, said this had proved what an inspiration her daughter, who died last November, was.

And the first birthday since her passing only reinforced the love her family and friends had for her, she said.

Joan said: "It was a weird feeling. I was okay at first but I felt a bit choked when flowers started to arrive and people sent cards and text messages and e-mails.

"We are all still thinking of her in our own ways. I know Catherine would be mad if she knew we were moping about.

"Sometimes it feels like Catherine hasn't been here and sometimes it feels like she is and I am going to see her soon.

"It is not sinking in that I am not going to see her in this life."

Catherine's life was turned upside down in 2003 when she was suddenly struck down by a brain tumour.

Despite undergoing gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy she helped set up Catherine's Crusaders.

The aim was to raise money for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation, a charity which buys equipment for cancer services at Royal Preston Hospital, where East Lancashire patients are treated.

Just days before her death the former horse riding instructor was awarded a medal for her fundraising work. About 200 people packed into Blackburn Cathedral for her funeral.

Speaking on what would have been Catherine's 25th birthday Joan said the family were determined to keep Catherine's Crusaders alive.

And money raised has also bought a CD player for rooms at East Lancashire Hospice, where Catherine spent the final three weeks of her life.

So far £9,000 has been presented to Rosemere and another £8,000 will be handed over soon.

On September 23 friends and family met at The Beech Tree In, Whalley Old Road, Blackburn, for a fundraising evening.

And on November 11 - the first anniversary of Catherine's passing - a ball will be held in her honour at Horncliffe Mansion, Bury Road, Rawtenstall.

Joan said: "It is so important we continue to raise the money because so many people can benefit from what Rosemere do.

"We are doing it for Catherine."