East Cheshire Hospice will always have a special place in the hearts of Keith Ball’s family.
The retired painter and decorator was looked after by nurses from the Hospice’s Hospice @Home service in his final weeks.
Friends and family will never forget their help when it was needed most.
Keith had multiple health issues, mainly leukaemia, and wanted to remain at home.
A year on from his death, aged 73, daughter Sharon Bailey and son-in-law Martin Quigley are preparing for a 20-mile walk around Edale Valley to raise funds for the Hospice.
Sharon said: “It was dad’s wish to stay at home and we couldn’t have done that without Hospice @Home. They are angels. Incredible people.
“We can’t praise them enough. You probably hear this from everyone, but they were just fantastic.
“They were just there and took the pressure off the family, visiting us four times a day if needed.
“We could phone them at 2 am, 3 am, 5 am. It didn’t matter. They were there and so supportive. It’s an amazing service.”
Keith was one of 360 patients cared for by the charity’s mobile Hospice @Home community service last year.
He was born above a chip shop owned by parents Freda and Alan.
Sharon said: “The shop called simply Ball’s Chippy was on Hibel Road. Everyone born and bred in Macclesfield knows about the chippy, so our family were quite well known.
“My dad was well liked and a popular figure around all the pubs in Macc. He liked a pint or two.
“He was just a true northern character with his own mind.”
Sharon Bailey is fundraising in memory of her father.
Sharon, a dog groomer, is preparing for the challenge in June by walking six miles a day with pet springer spaniel Nip.
Nip – called after her dad’s nickname as he was the nipper to older brother Adrian – will miss the event due to its toughness.
The guided walk, linking five summits with a total climb of 1,100 metres, should take between eight to 10 hours.
Martin, a window cleaner, is a gym regular. Running and boxing also keep him fit.
Wife Tracey will offer support on the day, as will Keith’s wife Celia and Sharon’s husband Stuart.
Sharon said: “We wanted to do something together to thank the Hospice as we know it relies heavily on fundraising.”
* To sponsor Martin visit www.justgiving.com/page/martin-quigley-1
* To sponsor Sharon visit www.justgiving.com/page/sharon-bailey-5