I would like to add a personal message of thanks and gratitude to everyone that has supported myself and my family in recent times. The JustGiving page is a vehicle by which we could raise monies for Wigan and Leigh Hospice in memory of Sharon. It was a challenging target and we can all see how it’s going!!

It became apparent that on the day of her funeral, by the sheer number of friends and neighbours on Whitley Crescent that Sharon was one special person and will be missed by many. When you lose someone you love, it is a very painful experience. But that pain is eased when your friends offer their love and hugs, then the healing process can begin.

Never underestimate the need for such love from your friends and family in tough times. I certainly have not!

Having read every comment against every donation made, you are all held in the most highest of my esteem. Including those of you that wish to remain anonymous.

My thanks to Ian for organising the 100km bike ride and all six of you that took part. My thanks also to my grandchildren for their 10km bike ride too. Rachel and I are looking at our challenge options going forward.

Please give yourselves as friends a massive pat on the back. I love you all. Once again THANK YOU....Frank

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Sharon, my darling wife passed away on the 9th of June 2020, having spent 16 days at the Hospice.

She was a fabulous Wife, Mum, Grandma, Sister and Friend to many. Sadly, her life was taken away from us too soon.

In the most difficult of circumstances, the exceptional care provided to Sharon, made her final days as peaceful and comfortable as possible. Equally, the compassion shown to myself, Ian and Rachel was overwhelming and for this we will be eternally grateful.

During the time we spent visiting Sharon, we became aware of the financial framework that the Hospice operates within - and its reliance on donations. 

The patient care cost per 24 hours is £482.  This is why we are targeting £8000, as this will help the next family that may find themselves in need of such wonderful care.

Our family over the coming weeks and months will be involved in various fund raising events which we hope will help us reach our target

It goes without saying that ALL your donations will be very much appreciated. Please show your support for both this very special charity and of course, the legacy of this most wonderful lady.

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Previous fund raising activities:

20th July 2020:

So, with the lads 100KM bike ride done and dusted (see original story below) with just 1 fall and 1 mechnical failure to boot, attention turns to the kids and their 10KM effort on Monday 21st July.

Now, 10KM does not sound a lot when compared to the 100KM the lads did, but when you compute that Sharon’s grandchildren have to do 17 laps of the DW staduim to achieve such such a target, then it hits home!

Lucy, Isla, Samuel and Isobel are all pumped for the challenge ahead at 6.00pm tonight and cannot wait to get started, so if you can find it in your hearts (and purses) to support these young riders, then we will forever be grateful x x x

19th July 2020:

As referred to in Sharon's story below, to support our fundraising for Wigan & Leigh Hospice we talked about various activities the family will be taking part in.

The first of these is the Virtual Manchester to Blackpool ride - which can be either a total of 100KM's of Bike riding throughout July OR doing 100KM in one go! 

It would only be fitting, given Sharon's sporty and competitive nature, that Ian, her son, does the 100KM's in one go and the challenge has been ACCEPTED.

On the 19th of July, Ian will be cycling a 100Km route that will take him from the start line at the Cherry Gardens Pub in Wigan, seeing him head north to Hutton in Preston before heading down to Southport. From there, Ian will cycle to through Bickerstaffe before picking up a route to Ashton-in-Makerfield and then returing home where the ride will end at Sherrington's Bar near Wigan Town Centre.

Ian wont be alone however and has recruited the cream of the crop to support him in trying to raise money for this wonderful cause. Ian will be joined by Rugby League legends Kris Radlinski, Paul Deacon and Gary Connolly aswell as his keen cycling friends, Phil O'Neil and Phil Barker.

To understand the driving force behind Ian doing this challenge and to learn more about Sharon's story, please read below - many thanks for your kind support

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Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.