Councillor Sue loses cancer battle at 59

Dec 10 2009 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

TRIBUTES have been paid to Runcorn councillor Sue Blackmore who died on Monday.

Cllr Blackmore, 59, died following a short battle with cancer.

A mum of three, she had lived in Runcorn for 32 years and had represented the Mersey Ward for the Liberal Democrats since 2004.

She was a member of the council’s development control committee as well as the authority’s scrutiny co-ordinator.

She was also active with the Runcorn and District Historical Society and the Runcorn Locks Restoration Society.

Sue ran her own cat-sitting business and was a keen proponent of healthy living.

She had originally become interested in politics after the late Cllr Alan Taylor, leader of Halton Liberal Democrats, asked her to help deliver leaflets.

Cllr Mike Hodgkinson remembers taking Sue canvassing for the first time.

He said: “She soon learned the ropes and enthusiastically led the canvas team.

“Sue was always the first to produce articles for the quarterly focus leaflets and provided the initial inspiration to others from her knowledge of local issues.”

He added: “Long before Halton Council started to promote healthy living Sue, a vegetarian, ensured that her diet was as healthy as possible and practised Tai Chi to keep fit.

“Sue will be sorely missed by the many people she has helped, by her friends in the Liberal Democrats and others involved in council work.”

Halton Liberal Democrat leader Linda Redhead, said: “Cllr Sue Blackmore was a valued member of the Lib Dem team. She will be greatly missed.

“I will always have fond memories of our time spent together serving on the council.”

Labour councillor and council leader Tony McDermot, added: “Sue was a committed, conscientious and determined lady who was always keen to advocate over other people’s problems.

“She was respected and liked by all council members and will be sadly missed by us all.”

A spokesman for Sue’s family, added: “The family would like to thank everyone for their messages of condolence and support. They would however ask that everyone would respect their privacy at this difficult and sad time.”