Doreen Lofthouse of Fisherman's Friend dies at 91

By Tim Aldred

01 Apr 2021

Doreen Lofthouse, who is credited with growing Fisherman's Friend into an international brand and for her philanthropy in for her hometown of Fleetwood, has died at age 91.

Although she married into the family business, which had been manufacturing its lozenges since 1865, Doreen was instrumental in driving its growth.

The products has been popular among fishermen for solving respiratory problems, but Doreen saw a wider appeal. Today the company exports to more than 120 countries around the world, with annual sales of more than £55m.

She was nicknamed 'the mother of Fleetwood' and was awarded an OBE for her charity work. In 2019, she committed £30m to charitable projects in the town.

Councillor David Henderson, leader of Wyre Council, and Garry Payne, chief executive of Wyre Council, issued a statement saying: "We are deeply saddened to hear of Mrs Doreen Lofthouse OBE’s passing.

"Mrs Lofthouse was a true pioneer of Fleetwood and her generosity has helped to transform Fleetwood including the recent Mount Pavilion and gardens restoration project, as well as help to fund community groups.

"She was a woman who deeply cared about the town and I thank her for everything she has done."

  • For further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Tim Aldred

Latest news

1

MHA announce interim revenues up 13 per cent Rakesh Shaunak MHA

MHA announce interim revenues up 13 per cent

20 Nov 2025

2

Totally Wicked Group announce new fulfilment and distribution centre The Blackburn unit sold to Totally Wicked Group

Totally Wicked Group announce new fulfilment and distribution centre

19 Nov 2025

3

Lancaster University to create £2m nuclear facility control room simulator The new simulator will sit alongside the University's Data Immersion Suite, where these Lancaster students are pictured

Lancaster University to create £2m nuclear facility control room simulator

19 Nov 2025

4

BAE joins bid to deliver Red Arrows replacement T 7 Air

BAE joins bid to deliver Red Arrows replacement

19 Nov 2025

5

Ainsworth Jewellers celebrates 155-year milestone with anniversary weekend Jayant Raniga from PureJewels, Helen Dimmick and Phil Ainsworth, both from Ainsworth Jewellers

Ainsworth Jewellers celebrates 155-year milestone with anniversary weekend

18 Nov 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

The path to profit with consistency, quality and speed in your business
icz bburn coll.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Nov 2025 - 21 Nov 2025

The path to profit with consistency, quality and speed in your business

Industry Collaboration Zone, Bolton College, Feilden Street, Blackburn, BB2 1LH

09:30 - 12:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: November
NovFreelancer version 2 .png.png
LBV Hub Networking
26 Nov 2025 - 26 Nov 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: November

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Lancashire Construction Connections
LLC Logo Main.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
27 Nov 2025 - 27 Nov 2025

Lancashire Construction Connections

Blues Bar, Ewood Park, Blackburn, BB2 4JF

14:00 - 16:00

Lancashire Business Day 2025
241122lbvlancashiredaylhp0647web
Networking
27 Nov 2025

Lancashire Business Day 2025

Burnley FC , Burnley, BB10 4BX

12:00 - 17:00

Lancashire post Budget analysis finance leaders events
MHA-BTI Logo_black (002).jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
27 Nov 2025 - 27 Dec 2025

Lancashire post Budget analysis finance leaders events

Farington Lodge Hotel, Stanifield Lane, Farington, Preston, PR25 4QR

08:00 - 10:00

The PM+M Autumn Budget seminar - East Lancashire
Autumn Budget event East Lancashire
LBV Hub Seminars
27 Nov 2025 - 27 Nov 2025

The PM+M Autumn Budget seminar - East Lancashire

Crow Wood Hotel, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:00 - 10:30

Blackburn Budget Breakfast Seminar
1.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
28 Nov 2025 - 28 Nov 2025

Blackburn Budget Breakfast Seminar

Premier Suite, Blackburn Rovers, Ewood Park, Blackburn, BB2 4JF

07:30 - 10:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin