East Cheshire Hospice holds a special place in the hearts of Keith Ball's family. The retired painter and decorator received care from the charity's Hospice @Home service during his final weeks. Friends and family remain grateful for the support provided when it was most needed. Keith suffered from multiple health issues, primarily leukaemia, and wished to remain at home.
A year after his death at age 73, his 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.
Heartfelt Hike
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 2am, 3am, 5am. 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 his parents Freda and Alan.
Edale Journey
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, a dog groomer, is preparing for the challenge in June by walking six miles a day with her pet springer spaniel, Nip. Nip, named after her dad's nickname as he was the nipper to older brother Adrian, will miss the event due to its toughness.
Walking Together
The guided walk links five summits with a total climb of 1,100 metres and should take between eight to ten 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.
