A FORMER Bolton Woman of the Year who set up a group to support families when no other help was available has died at the age of 69.

Nicola McGuinness is the founder of Bolton Children’s Opportunity Group (COG) in Lowndes Street ­— an organisation inspired by her daughter, who has Down Syndrome.

Mrs McGuinness died on January 28 in hospital with two family members by her side because of covid restrictions.

She was well known for her 40-plus years of work supporting thousands of local families.

Mum to Brodie, aged 47, and daughter Ailsa, aged 41, Mrs McGuinness set up COG after her daughter was born in 1979,

She realised there was very little help available for families with disabled children.

Her vision was to remove barriers for children with special needs and disabilities.

Her younger sister, Karen Partridge, said: “Nicola was so loved and I don’t know what I’m going to do without her - I saw her every day. She was extremely kind, generous, funny, determined, strong and thoughtful - and a brilliant listener.

“She did so much for so many people.”

Nicola will be sorely missed by Karen and fellow siblings Gillian and Richard, as well as her children and grandkids, Jay and Lucas.

Her brother, Richard Wotherspoon, added: “Nicola was a perfect example of a girl that just loved to give.

“She was the epitome of the word fair.”

Older sister Gillian Moutsopoulos said: “Nicola was a very loyal, loving, generous and sincere person who could always be relied on to offer support and good advice.”

Nicola also leaves behind seven nephews and nieces and 11 great nephews and nieces.

Over the decades, COG developed into a thriving nursery, where children with and without disabilities played together in an inclusive environment.

A statement posted to the COG Facebook page reads: “Nicola was brimming with kindness, compassion and had a huge heart for each and every family she worked with.

The funeral service will be held today at Overdale Crematorium. People are invited to line the route from Chorley Old Road,. The car will go along Chorley Old Road, Lowndes Street and Devonshire Road, before going to the crematorium for the 11am service.