Dozens step in to give dad ‘best send-off ever’
DOZENS of kindhearted people have offered donations to support the family of a seriously ill man.
Garry Fitton, from Kearlsey, Bolton, was admitted to hospital seven weeks ago with what doctors thought was pneumonia but his relatives have since been told his condition is terminal and that he does not have long left.
The devastating news has hit the family hard and daughter Hope, 19, turned to funding website GoFundMe with the aim of raising some cash to help her mum with future funeral costs.
In less than a week, nearly 40 people from across Greater Manchester have offered money to the cause, with £650 raised already to give Garry the ‘best send off ever.’
Hope’s sister, Abbey, 22, said she was shocked by how many people were involved in the fundraiser but not surprised that her dad had been loved by so many of those he knew.
“I’m surprised by the generosity of people, it’s been amazing,” she said.
“I don’t think we were surprised by how many people have been in touch though because he’s loved by everyone he meets.
“Even if he didn’t know you he would stop and talk to you. He would go sunbathing outside our house and greet everyone who walked past.” Garry, 60, has been struggling with health problems since losing his leg after a massive heart attack in 2000. It forced him to retire from work as a hairdresser but Abbey says it never stopped him from being ‘a loving, caring father who will help anyone.’
She also thanked the staff at the Royal Bolton Hospital, who she says have got to know the family over the past few years and been extremely supportive. The money will be used to pay for flowers for the funeral service and other necessities but anything left over is set to be given to charity of donated to the hospital ward where Garry is being cared for. And Abbey says seeing so many people donate to the cause has been some small comfort to her mother Karen.
She added: “The money will go towards funeral costs, flowers for the coffin and everything else. But anything left will go to charity or the hospital ward that’s cared for him.
“The staff at the hospital have known him and my family for years and they are nearly as upset as we are. “This has been helpful for my mum too, she’s reached the point where she doesn’t want to speak to anyone but I think it’s touched her that there are so many people out there who not only care about my dad but care about the rest of us.
He’s loved by everyone he meets. Even if he didn’t know you he would stop to talk Garry Fitton’s daughter Abbey