Son gets set to tackle 10k challenge for hospice in memory of his dad

A SON is taking on a 10km challenge to raise money for the hospice which helped his dad.

John Bergin battled several debilitating illnesses and was treated at East Cheshire Hospice before he died in January, aged 68.

He left behind wife Lorraine, children Andrew and Angela, and grandchildren of Isabel and Evie.

To thank the charity for their help his son Andrew, 48, will be running the Bollington 10km Run on August 24.

He hopes to raise lots of money for the hospice.

Andrew, of Dyers Court, Bollington, said: “Dad was a good-natured and gregarious character who had many friends in the Macclesfield area - 170 people turned up to his funeral on a cold day in February.

“He enjoyed sports and outdoor activities, but had to battle several debilitating illnesses from the early 90s onwards. My relationship with him was more akin to the relationship between friends, or brothers, rather than a typical father son relationship. We socialised a lot together.”

Andrew said he felt compelled to give something back to the hospice after the care provided during John’s final months.

He said: “The expert staff who work there all helped to make the most of the time that dad had left.

“They kept him comfortable, so much so that he never let go of his sense of humour, even until the end.

“So, for all that they did, I feel like I owe the hospice a great debt, and am therefore trying to raise some funds for them by doing the Bollington 10K.”

Andrew had been training for three months. The run is organised by Bollington Health and Leisure, a not for profit gym.

The run will set off from the leisure centre and head north towards Pott Shrigley. It will then go west along Brookledge Lane and south Middlewood Way to the finish at the leisure centre.

Visit justgiving.com/ andrewbergin.