Lancaster GP and magistrate ‘with a big heart’ passes away aged 85

Anne Crawford’s roles included GP work at Lancaster University Health Centre, as a Marks and Spencer store doctor, blood transfusion GP, first aid examiner and locum at Rosebank Surgery.

But her greatest professional interest was dermatology.

Born in Motherwell, Scotland in 1940, and following her father Dr David Crawford, who became a GP in Derbyshire, Anne qualified from Sheffield Medical School.

The family moved to Halton when her husband, Dr Chris Riley, took up a GP post in Lancaster.

Using her maiden name, Anne worked in dermatology with several consultants until her early 70s, helping patients across Morecambe Bay hospitals with skin conditions.

Alongside her medical career, one of her proudest achievements was becoming a magistrate. She served on the Lancaster bench from 1983 to 2010 and was well-respected.

Her mother, Isa Crawford, was a magistrate in Derbyshire.

Anne Riley’s lifelong passion was tennis, following her mother, who had played for the West of Scotland.

She represented Derbyshire as a junior and later played for Sheffield University, winning the ladies doubles at the British Universities Championships two years running.

A long-standing member of Bowerham Lawn Tennis Club, she won various club competitions, played for Lancashire Ladies Veterans and later ran the ladies’ veterans teams.

She was captain in 1982 and president from 2012 to 2018.

In the winter she became a good badminton player.

Anne was a member of Lancaster, Morecambe and District Sports Council and played a significant role in the International Youth Games, helping to create life-changing experiences for hundreds of young people.

Her son Chris, in his funeral eulogy, said his mother was very proud, competitive and determined.

Celebrant Lara Cowperthwaite described her as a fiercely independent woman who had a big heart.

Her straight-talking, no-nonsense approach to life meant she spoke her mind, but she cared and loved deeply.

She was incredibly smart and put her sharp mind to great use.

Anne, formerly of Hest Bank, died on December 19 at a care home in Derbyshire near her son, daughter-in-law Denise and grandsons Jack and Danny. She also leaves her sister Margaret.

The funeral took place at Lancaster Crematorium on January 27.

Donations in Anne’s memory were given to Dementia UK.