Tribute to woman who rescued Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Barbara Green passed away on October 15 after a sudden downturn in her health. 

Mrs Green, who lived in Farnworth, was well-known in the area for her work rescuing Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs. 

She took over he Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue Centre in town in 1979 and ran it for the next 45 years. 

Her son, Martin Green, said: "She was energetic and the most selfless person I've ever met, she did everything for everyone else. 

"She was a dressmaker originally, when we were kids she would make all of our own clothes."

But he added she was dedicated to caring for Staffies.

"She was president of Morecambe and Cumbria Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club, she was chair on two charities, Staffordshire Bull Terrier Welfare and she ran her own which was affiliated to it.

"She rehomed over 4,000 dogs. Then when Christmas came she would send a card to everybody who had had a dog off her. She would send 4,000 a year and handwrite all of them." 

Barbara with her dog, Rebel (Image: Family)

A charity fundraiser for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue in memory of Barbara has been launched by her family: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/babs-staffordrescue-1939

A book of condolence is also open here: https://florencegreen.muchloved.com/

He added: "Her grandchildren, my kids, are planning on doing that this Christmas, sending cards  out on her behalf. 

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"She absolutely adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, some lived across the road from her so would be there every day for a cup of tea. She loved spending time with them. 

"It has hit us all. But she was tough, three weeks ago she was gardening. 

Barbara when she appeared in The Bolton News in 2008"She is very sadly missed, the family is totally devastated and we are all trying our best." 

Martin spoke about her hobbies, saying: "She made dog beds, used to make them and sell them to raise funds for the charity. She made her own cards, birthday and Christmas cards. 

"She was passionate about gardening and flowers, the wisteria was her favourite flower. She had a lovely big wisteria at the back of the house. 

"I think it was 1979 when she took over at the Staffordshire rescue. The gentleman who ran it before passed away and my mum took it on, and pretty much dedicated her life to it." 

Barbara leaves behind her three sons, affectionately known as the 'Three Ms', Martin, Mark and Malcolm, her four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

Her funeral will be at St John's Church in Farnworth at noon on October 30, with her cremation afterwards at Overdale Crematorium. 

There will also be a wake afterwards at St Gregory's Social Club in Farnworth.