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

Blackpool and Chorley stake claim on the national stage with culture bids City of Culture bid

Blackpool and Chorley stake claim on the national stage with culture bids

29 Jan 2026

2

Eighth year of growth for Brabners Brabners London office

Eighth year of growth for Brabners

28 Jan 2026

3

PNE confirm talks with US-Saudi businessman Preston North End. Pic by Dave O, Shutterstock

PNE confirm talks with US-Saudi businessman

27 Jan 2026

4

Lancashire innovation growth programme boosted by new senior appointments Prof Andy Schofield Prof Graham Baldwin Rebecca Latham Dr Robert Holbrook

Lancashire innovation growth programme boosted by new senior appointments

27 Jan 2026

5

Airframe Designs announces rebrand to AFD Systems AFD Systems team

Airframe Designs announces rebrand to AFD Systems

26 Jan 2026

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

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

Chamber Breakfast – February
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
03 Feb 2026 - 03 Feb 2026

Chamber Breakfast – February

The Olive Branch, Lancaster, LA1 4XQ

08:00 - 10:00

Business Breakfast Networking Event
LBV Hub Networking
04 Feb 2026 - 04 Feb 2026

Business Breakfast Networking Event

Media Factory, University of Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 10:30

AI Growth Accelerator
AI Growth Accelerator 1.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
04 Feb 2026 - 04 Feb 2026

AI Growth Accelerator

Online, _, _

12:00 - 12:20

Cyber Resilience Boardroom Session
Cyber Resilience Boardroom Session.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
04 Feb 2026 - 04 Feb 2026

Cyber Resilience Boardroom Session

Online, _, _

13:00 - 13:20

E-commerce in 2026: From stores to systems
PTC banner Feb 26.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
10 Feb 2026 - 10 Feb 2026

E-commerce in 2026: From stores to systems

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Degree apprenticeship information sessions for businesses
student centre entrance.jfif.jpg
LBV Hub Webinar
10 Feb 2026 - 13 Feb 2026

Degree apprenticeship information sessions for businesses

University of Lancashire, Virtual event, -

10:00 - 09:30

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire
LBV Header (29).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
11 Feb 2026 - 11 Feb 2026

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Future Forward Business and Skills Summit
Future Forward Business & Skills Summit
LBV Hub Networking
20 Feb 2026

Future Forward Business and Skills Summit

Lancashire Energy HQ , Blackpool, FY4 2QS

08:00 - 11:00

Tech without the turmoil: How Finance Leaders can drive smarter digital decisions
MHA-BTI Logo_black (002).jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
05 Mar 2026 - 27 Dec 2025

Tech without the turmoil: How Finance Leaders can drive smarter digital decisions

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

08:00 - 10:00

Payroll Update 2026 Samlesbury Hall
payroll.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
06 Mar 2026 - 06 Mar 2026

Payroll Update 2026 Samlesbury Hall

Samlesbury Hall, Preston, PR5 0UP

08:00 - 10:00

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