Last updated at 16:39, Friday, 07 December 2012

THE family of a popular Millom man have expressed their heartfelt thanks to the town’s “generous” residents for helping them smash a fundraising target in his memory.

LEE FARREN

Lee Farren was 43 when he lost his battle with stomach cancer in November 2010.

Mr Farren, of Wellington Street, was well-liked and well known through his connection with Millom Rugby League Club, Millom Workies and his work as a scaffolder’s labourer at Sellafield.

He spent his last few months in and out Furness General Hospital’s Oncology Unit, and Mr Farren took part in fundraising activities for the unit towards the end of his life. His family and friends rallied around to organise a successful fundraising event at Millom Workies last month in memory of Mr Farren.

Last year’s event raised £1,200, and this time the entertainment day and auction went on to generate £2,000 for the FGH Oncology Unit.

Mr Farren’s brother, Duane Farren, 47, said: “The family is overwhelmed with the generosity of the people who have raised this money, donated prizes and supported the event. It’s absolutely brilliant. It’s been two years since Lee died but everyone came out in large numbers to remember him and have a good day. There were people from Millom, Barrow, Whitehaven and Yorkshire.

“Lee was in and out of the oncology unit and they looked after him really well and they made him comfortable. Nothing was too much trouble. We wanted to help them help other people.”

He thanked organisers Brian Jones and Brian Heasley, local bands Rhythm Dead Lady, Drunk in Public, Elvis impersonator, Willy Farren, DJ Peter Round, and Millom Workies, where his brother was a regular. On the night a Millom Rugby shirt featuring Mr Farren’s name and date of birth raised £260 in the auction.

Tonight family and friends were to present a cheque for £2,000 to Andrea Armstrong from FGH Oncology Unit at Millom Workies.

First published at 16:07, Thursday, 06 December 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk