Northwich legend’s legacy lives on at St Luke’s Hospice

David Lanham’s loved ones were at the hospice on Queensway, Winsford, for a presentation this week.

Originally from Warrington, David moved to the town after meeting the love of his life, Rachel, with whom he had one son, Michael.

As a full-time partner and parent he moved into volunteer work with worthy causes like the charities Age UK and British Red Cross.

He was not in it for the recognition but there was recognition regardless in the form of a High Sheriff’s Award and a Mayor’s Award.

Rachel, Michael and others were among those to be involved in a family fundraiser which included the Delamere Forest Twilight Walk, a silent disco and a shirt raffle in the three months after his death due to cancer.

Michael said: “We handed them a big cheque which was the biggest cheque they have had in a long time from a member of the public.

“We know it will not do a lot because it costs around £15,000 per day to care for everybody in the hospice but it will do something.”

St Luke’s Hospice’s care costs more than £5 million per year across inpatients, outpatients and other services of which less than one fifth is from the government.

In a post on social media a spokesperson for the hospice said it was ‘an honour’ to accept £4,500 as well as an artwork of an RAF Spitfire by David’s dad John.

The post on social media said: “A devoted husband and dad, Dave dedicated over 30 years to helping others through the Age UK, British Red Cross, Crane Quality Counselling and Young Carers. In recognition of his service he was awarded both a High Sheriff’s Award and a Northwich Mayor’s Award.

“Donations were raised through funeral donations, the Twilight Walk, a silent disco, and a Warrington Wolves shirt raffle – a true testament to the love for Dave.”