A FAMILY has been blown away by support from the community for a fundraising day in memory of their dad, former Winsford United manager John Bingham.
A remarkable £6,570 was raised for The Christie charity at a family fun day at The George and Dragon.
Families enjoy fun in the sun as they raised £6,500 for The Christie charity in memory of John Bingham
"We are so overwhelmed," said Natalie Bingham. "On behalf of our whole family we want to say a heartfelt thanks to everyone one that showed up on the day to support us. We are blown away by the total raised on the day.
More than 500 people packed into the beer garden at The George and Dragon to support the fundraiser
"We are so truly grateful for such a small town to come together like this. There were more than 500 people in the beer garden. It was a happy, beautiful day. We also want to thank all the amazing local businesses in our community.
"Their contributions to the day really have enabled us to get to this fantastic total which will take us to nearly £10,000 in such a short space of time."
A bouncy castle kept children entertained
Almost 100 raffle prizes, including three holidays, were generously donated by companies big and small from across the town and lots of people volunteered to help.
Fancy Feet Theatrical Dance performed at the fun day
Jessica Bingham, 37, who had her head shaved, said: "It's not as brave as the people who fight this terrible disease. We will never give up raising funds."
Jessica Bingham had her head shaved
John's wife Lorraine organised the event with her daughters Natalie, Jessica, Rebecca, Rachel and Joanne.
"It has made a big difference to mum keeping herself busy," said Natalie. "It makes us feel so proud that everyone has supported us. People thought the world of dad.
"He was an all round nice generous man, always happy to help everybody."
Katie Donallan and Natalie Bingham
Ex-landlord of The Denbigh, John, 62, was diagnosed with cancer on September 4 last year.
John Bingham was 'an all round nice generous man, always happy to help everybody'
"He thought he had a sickness bug and couldn't clear his throat," said Natalie. "He was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that had spread to his liver, kidney and bone.
"But we are so grateful to The Christie. They put dad on a new trial drug which gave him an extra six months. It meant we were able to spend one last Christmas with him and
precious time together.
The Bingham family want to thank their friends and the whole community for all their support
"Dad's brother Vincent, who owns The George and Dragon, has just completed chemotherapy.
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"We want to do all we can to raise money for The Christie to thank them for caring for dad so well. We hope to reach our target of £15,000 so we can have his name put on a memorial tree."
On Saturday, September 7, 41 members of his family and friends are climbing Snowdon.
Imogen Healing, sporting events coordinator at The Christie charity, said: “We are extremely grateful to John’s family and friends for their incredible fundraising efforts. This is an amazing achievement and we are delighted that they have raised so much money for The Christie charity.
“The Christie charity provides enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to our patients and their families.”
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