FRIENDS of a man who died of cancer have raised thousands of pounds in his memory.
Meltham man Mark Byrne passed away at Kirkwood Hospice on February 18.
Husband and wife Jon and Ann Coombs organised a charity night at Crosland Moor Working Men’s Club in his memory.
Twenty-nine local firms gave prizes for a raffle and musicians Dezzi Dee, Vital Signs and Steve Symon performed.
Ann said: “It was a fantastic evening and I’d like to thank everyone who helped.”
Ann mentioned the fundraising idea to Mark before he died.
She said: “I told him I would raise some money for Kirkwood Hospice and he said it was a good idea.”
Ann paid tribute to the 45-year-old. She said: “He was the nicest bloke ever and he would do anything for anyone.
“I don’t think anyone could dislike him. When he got cancer it was a case of ‘why him?’ ”
A second fundraising event took place at the Greyhound pub on Manchester Road, just outside Huddersfield town centre.
A cheque for the £3,500 raised at both events was presented at the pub.
Mark’s widow, Sue, has also given his £800 mobility scooter to the hospice.
