Tributes paid following death of much-loved Oldham business mentor Dawn Torrington

Tributes have been paid to Dawn Torrington, a hugely popular and much-loved Oldham business mentor and ambassador, who passed away recently.

Referred to by many as 'the networking Queen', Dawn passed away peacefully on Friday, February 17, in Dr Kershaw's Hospice, following a brave battle with cancer.

She was 47.

Chairperson of the Oldham Business Awards steering group, Steve Kilroy, led the tributes, describing Dawn as 'a wonderful and beautiful lady, both inside and out'

A founder of the exclusive 'Doing Biz for Yourself' Facebook group and website (www.dbfy.co.uk) in 2014, it was clear to see where Dawn's passion lay when reading her 'about' profile on her LinkedIn page.

It read: "I am passionate about helping small businesses succeed by providing them with a platform to learn, network and develop themselves and their business.

"Being a sole trader can be isolating and having a supportive local network where like-minded business people can come together and build relationships has proven to be successful.

"I encourage members to use each other's services and products within the group which enables business to keep flowing within our local community."

Anna Kirkpatrick was Dawn's best friend, having known her for more than four decades.

Anna, a dance teacher and owner of the popular 'Anna's Dance' school, told the Chronicle: "I first met Dawn more than 40 years ago when we both attended the Patricia Dyson School of Dance in Shaw.

"Ever since then we'd navigated our way through life together, and some even described us as Oldham's version of Ant and Dec!

"It's heart-breaking to lose Dawn - I feel like I've lost my right arm.

"Dawn was always full of great humour, she was very nurturing and so very caring.

"She'll be missed so much.

"She was so very genuine and cared about everyone she tried to help - she just went that extra mile for anyone.

"She gave countless inspirational talks to school children and at Oldham College.

"We'll all miss her so much."

Dawn's funeral service and committal will be held at Hollinwood crematorium on Monday, March 13, from 2pm.

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