'˜Celebration of Life' will honour Louise

Louise Hartley (24), who died of a rare form of ovarian cancer, will be remembered by her family and many friends in a celebration of her life, after a private burial at the family farm in Bashall Eaves took place earlier this week.

A journalist at the Farmer’s Guardian and a keen member of the Clitheroe branch of Lancashire Young Farmers Club, Louise showed a natural aptitude for farming and agriculture from an early age and was always keen to help out with all aspects of the day-to-day running of the farm.

The youngest child of John and Sarah Hartley, Louise followed elder sister Bridget (30) and brother Ben (29). After attending Waddington and West Bradford Primary School, she went on to Bowland High School, before winning a place at Newcastle University to study Agriculture. Stock judging was one of Louise’s passions and she was a keen member of Lancashire Holstein Young Breeder’s Club. She loved attending the auctions, particularly Gisburn, and became a well-known face among the farming community.

Sister Bridget said: “Louise had a gift with people – she could chat to anyone at any age and make them feel special. She realised the importance of communicating well and loved sharing information as much as agriculture, so her job as a farming journalist was the perfect mix for her.”

After completing her degree and subsequent work experience with the Farmer’s Guardian, Louise was offered a permanent position.

Editor Ben Briggs said: “She was a great writer with a natural talent and passion for farming. She was more than able to hold her own and an invaluable member of the editorial team.”

The outpouring of grief at the tragic loss of this much-loved young woman has been reflected in the hundreds of tributes which have flooded in since her death.

Louise’s mum Sarah said: “We have been so touched at the genuine warmth shown by so many people and it’s been so important to us as a family to know what people thought about her.

“Although we had no quantity of time with her, we had the best quality time – she simply brightened up our lives.”

• Lancashire Young Farmers asked Louise to nominate charities for their annual charity effort, which this year was a sponsored walk they called “On The Moove” from Clitheroe to Blackpool Tower. She asked that donations be split equally between Macmillan Cancer Care and the Field Nurse Project, which will run drop in health check sessions for farmers at Gisburn auction. The remaining funds raised will be given to charities nominated by Louise’s family.