Family and friends have donated £1,000 to a national cancer charity in memory of a former teaching assistant.
Denise Ward, of Warwick Avenue, Church, died aged 56 last December with cancer after a short illness.
The grandmother-of-four worked as a nursery nurse and teaching assistant at Sacred Heart RC primary school, in Church, for 25 years until her death, and was the second longest serving member of staff.
The money for Cancer Research UK was raised at a 1970s disco night at Oswaldtwistle Social Club organised by Denise’s husband of 37 years, John Ward. The night was attended by more than 100 people. Family members shaved off their hair to help raise money on the night and through online pledges. A cheque has been handed to charity representative and athlete Sarah McPhee who competed in the wheelchair basketball at the London Paralympics last year.
John Ward thanked everybody who contributed with their time and effort to make it a great event and said it was great to meet Sarah McPhee. He added: “She is a lovely person and is well aware of the implications of falling ill to this horrible disease.”
Mr Ward said another £1,000 was raised at the same event and will be passed on to local charities. A committee called Denise’s Do’s has been formed to arrange future fundraising activities .
There is also an annual memorial dinner dance at the Adelaide Suite on October 4.
Tickets cost £30 and include a five-course meal and entertainment. Call Mr Ward on 07809 442695.
