Pictured: Richard Wiggans' family, including daughter Carol (centre left) present their cheque to the Chemotherapy Ward at Royal Blackburn Hospital.
Friends and family of Richard Wiggans, of Brocklehead Farm in Darwen, have raised £8,615 for ELHT&Me, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust’s charity.
The funds have been raised in memory of Richard, who passed away in early April 2019, aged 77, after receiving treatment for cancer for a year. The fundraising campaign was run by Carol Tyrie, Richard’s daughter, and his family, and included a disco, auction and raffle. The initial target was to raise £5,000, but generous donations from extended family, friends and local businesses meant this was soon surpassed.
The family held a fundraising event at Darwen Golf Club on 23 March 2019, with donations from local businesses including A J Shuttleworth Farrier, Belgrave Physiotherapy, Belthorn Dexters, Berry’s Animal Feed, Blackburn with Darwen Leisure Services, Chris Tyrie Logs, Christies Timber, Cooper Family, Crow Wood Equestrian, David and Sarah Jane Pickup, Donald Sharples , E Taylor & Sons Animal Feed, Eli Tattersall, Evans Halshaw (Blackburn), Jack Crewdson, Jackie Grimes, Joy Photography, M & M’s (Darwen), Mark Fielding, Mellor Plant, Neil Barton, North Hydraulic Services Ltd, P J Tyrie Agricultural Contractors, Ribble Valley Stud, Rickerby’s Farm Supplies (Machinery) and Simon Ball.
Carol Tyrie, Richards daughter said “We were overwhelmed by the generosity and support of people who donated auction items, quality raffle prizes and monetary donations. We were amazed that over 200 people attended the event."
“My father sadly passed away on 2 April 2019, at home with his family. The money we’ve raised in his memory is a thank you for the exceptional care and treatment he received on the Chemotherapy Ward. We hope it will also help other cancer patients through their treatment.”
Christine Hughes, Director of Communications and Engagement at East Lancashire Hospitals, said: “We are so grateful for this extremely generous donation from Mr Wiggans’ family and those who supported the family at this difficult time. Every penny raised will be spent improving patient experience in the Chemotherapy Ward at Royal Blackburn Hospital, where Richard received his treatment.
“Donations such as this make a huge difference and help us go above and beyond the NHS standard.”
