Care home staff thank kind Burnley folk for paying towards lonely pensioner's funeral

Alan died at Royal Blackburn Hospital after contracting coronavirus

Last week a heartfelt plea was issued to give much-loved resident Alan Fenton the send off he deserves.

Alan has a wife, Lillian Fenton, who also lives in a care home, but has no children or close relatives and Lillian cannot afford to pay for the funeral costs. Therefore, staff rallied and set up a fundraising page urging kind-hearted Burnley folk to donate towards the appeal and give Alan the funeral he truly deserves.

Their goal was to raise £2,500, but they've been humbled by the support received and the total now stands at £3,500.

Acorn Heights manager, Natalie Heaven, expressed gratitude to each and every person who donated towards this worthwhile cause. She said; "We just cannot believe how generous the people of Burnley and surrounding areas have been. It's amazing!

"One gentleman called me and asked how much we needed for our target and at that time we were £600 away, so he just said he will send the money to give Alan the funeral he deserves. "James from the DEPHER charity contributed £400, while Kathleen’s Florist donated flowers for Lillian his wife. In addition, throughout all this, Alderson and Horan funeral directors have been brilliant and very supportive Lots of of local businesses donated raffle prizes for staff to raffle in order to raise the cash."

Natalie added: "Thank you to every single person who donated. Plus, a massive thank you to all staff at Acorn Heights Care Home who have been brilliantly fundraising in memory of Alan. Alan deserves a gentlemen’s funeral not one of a pauper. He was an amazing man with a fabulous character and will be missed greatly.

"Covid has been devastating for care homes and families. Our home has been effected and sadly we have lost five wonderful people to it. As many people know we need closure when someone passes away. What everyone has done for Alan will allow Lillian and all the staff here to grieve."

Alan's funeral will take place 9-15am tomorrow (February 5th) at Burnley Crematorium.