Grieving son overwhelmed as pals rally to pay for funeral

A FATHER-OF-THREE has been remembered for his “kindness” and “love of life” as his heartbroken son struggles to pay for his funeral costs.

Colin Hammond, 65, died on Tuesday at home on Grangeway in Runcorn having taken ill suddenly after living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

The former ICI worker was also the carer for his disabled son Paul Hammond, 37, who has now been left facing the “worst time of my life” having to find £4,000 to pay for a modest funeral, with more than half of that up front.

Paul, who has cerebral palsy, said “four grand might as well be four hundred grand” to him, and has launched a fundraising appeal to cover the costs. Friends and well-wishers have rallied to his support, donating more than £800 in the first 12 hours since it went online. Paul said his dad was a “very loving guy” who had lived in Runcorn all his life, attending The Grange school before joining industrial giants ICI.

While there, he worked his way up from the mailroom and Rocksavage, before moving to a shop floor role and Castner KellnerWorks.

Colin had two sons and one daughter in addition to three grandchildren but saw his daughter’s best friend’s children as his own grandchildren too due to his kind nature.

Although separated from his wife, they remained lifelong friends.

During his prime he loved to spend time singing with the Highfield Male Voice Choir and had “such a love of life”.

His family are now hoping to give him a fitting send-off, with a service at Walton Lea Crematorium and wake at The Quayside.

Although not religious, Paul said his father was a “spiritual man”, and Paul, who enjoys performing arts via The Studio in Widnes, is going to talk about his dad.

Despite the difficulty of losing his father, he said he’s been moved by people’s support.

Paul said: “I’ve been blown over. There are people I’ve not seen for years and the outpouring of love has left me just blown over. I like to be involved in the community and I’ve got a lot of nice friends. To see that returned is mind blowing, it really is. I looked at it (the appeal) when we set it up, within 12 hours we had 800 quid - I was like ‘what’s happening?’ It’s just loving, it’s just gratitude and love.

“If there are any words for it, it’s just my overwhelming gratitude to people, I can’t find the words.

“I will never be able to repay people for their generosity and kindness. It’s restored my faith in humanity.

“It’s warmed me at a time that’s been the worst time of my life.

To donate to the appeal and help to cover the funeral, visit gofundme.com by clicking the link or heading to the homepage and searching for “Help Colin Rest In Peace”.