Heartfelt plea to give lonely Burnley pensioner (90) who died of Covid-19 'a send off he deserves'

Alan Fenton was a popular resident at the Manchester Road-based home since February 2015. He loved walking and was a regular seen in the local Scott Park, sitting on a bench watching the world go by.

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 have rallied and set up a fundraising page urging generous Burnley folk to donate towards the appeal and give Alan the funeral he truly deserves. Their goal is to raise £2,500.

Acorn Heights manager, Natalie Heaven, said: "Like many care homes, ours has been struck with Covid-19 and sadly we have lost some residents - one of whom is Alan, who died at Royal Blackburn Hospital. Alan had no money to pay for his funeral and his wife, who is in a care home, is entitled to no help from the government. The couple have no other family or friends to help.

"Alan was a much-loved resident. Born in Clitheroe, he moved to the Burnley and Padiham area in his adult years. He worked at St John's Ambulance with his wife Lillian.

"He loved dancing and would be seen regularly dancing with other residents and staff in the lounge. He was also an incredible artist and would spend hours sketching pictures. He will be missed by all staff and residents."

She added: "This gentleman was in his 90th year and does not deserve to have a poor man 's funeral where his wife and those carers who looked after him cannot say a proper final goodbye. Alderson and Horan Funeral Services are working closely with us to help raise £2,500 and we are so grateful and thankful to everyone who has already donated. For those who haven't, please please donate and share this post so we can give 'Our Alan' the send off he truly deserves."

Anyone wishing to donate is asked to click here