A DEVOTED husband has continued his wife’s legacy of ‘giving back to the community’ by donating money raised from her funeral to the church playgroup where she volunteered.

Tony Webb’s wife Ann died in August last year from dementia and all of the money raised from her funeral was donated to the Middlewich Methodist Church.

Tony, 79 from St Ann’s Road, said: “She really enjoyed her time there even though it was only once a week for about three years.

“Even with the dementia she always knew when it was Thursday that she would be going to the nursery.

“She just loved working with children and she used to work with a hospice before we moved to Middlewich six years ago, she always gave something back to the community.

“She was used to working with children and it brought back some happy memories for her, it was just super.”

A plaque has been installed in the kitchen in Ann’s memory and Tony has visited the church since the equipment was bought.

Tony said: “I was really glad to help but it is sad going back there since Ann died, we shared 58 happy years together and there is a lot of sadness but it does get a little bit easier and the support from my family has been absolutely amazing

“It's really nice to see what the nursery has done with the money.

"It's very sad after everything but it is still nice to go in and see everyone.”

The group became a big part of Ann’s life in Middlewich, and after seeing the number of children at the playgroup decline, Tony wanted to do something to help.

Tony said: “The numbers have dwindled in the nursery recently, when she started going there were about 32 children there which may have been a bit too many.

“When I went after the equipment was installed they only have about eight children there so I think they are looking to fill up spaces.”

Tony donated about £350 after Ann’s funeral and the playgroup staff were delighted with the support.

Joan said: “We are very grateful to Tony for thinking of us. We loved having Ann here and so did the children and we have spent the money wisely on things that Ann would have liked.”

The playgroup runs every Thursday during term time from 9.30am to 11.30am and to find out more information about booking a place call the Middlewich Methodist Church on 01606 271 954.