A DONATION has been given to the North Devon Hospice’s outreach centre in Holsworthy in memory of Mr Adrian Heard — a well-known fundraiser in the town.

Mr Heard’s wife, Lesley Heard, made a cheque presentation recently, to The Long House, who provided care and support for Mr Heard during his life limiting illness.

Mrs Heard told the Post: “Adrian had only been going to The Long House a short time. He had reflexology on Tuesday afternoon, which helped him a great deal and he looked forward to going.

“The volunteers and staff were caring, kind and so supportive. They helped both of us more than they know, which is why I decided to donate the money collected following Adrian’s funeral service at St James the Great Church Kilkhampton.”

Through generous donations Mrs Heard was able to donate £2,080.65 to The Long House.

Mrs Heard said: “Adrian was born in Morwenstow, and lived in Kilkhampton most of his life. Latterly he worked in Morrisons in Bude, which he loved. He was a people person, happy, always smiling and lived life to the full,

“We married in September 2015 following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease and Parkinsons in June 2015. He was given six months.”

However, Mr Heard was a fighter and Mrs Heard said ‘we had 18 months because he fought so hard not to leave me’.

During the illness Mr Heard lost the abilities of speech, how to eat and movement. Mrs Heard said: “He was locked in his body but never lost his wicked sense of humour, wit or beautiful smile, his beautiful, beautiful smile. I loved him so much I am completely broken.”

Previously Mr and Mrs Heard had raised £2,500 for the ‘Motor Neurone Disease Association’ and £1,500 for the ‘Last Chance Rescue Animal Charity’ — this money was raised through donations made at their wedding in lieu of presents.

Mrs Heard said: “He supported a number of charities in his while but not The Long House, which is why I decided to donate this money to say thank you and to help other people who need help with life. Dying is the easy bit it is living every day knowing that you are dying that is the hard bit.

“We grieved together for 18 months and it was only at The Long House in the last couple of months that I found the support and understanding that I needed and Adrian found complementary therapy which helped him.”

Speaking about how she hopes the donation will help, Mrs Heard added: “I want anyone else in our position to go to The Long House earlier and get help sooner and perhaps this money will help and may encourage others to fundraise. It is a peaceful place with kindness and love.”

In response to the donation Claire Sherwood, from North Devon Hospice’s fundraising team, said: “We are touched that the Heard family chose to support North Devon Hospice and it is wonderful how much was raised from donations at Adrian’s funeral.

“It must be a reflection of the esteem, love and respect in which he was held by so many friends and family. The money raised will help the hospice provide care and support to local people from our new outreach centre in Holsworthy, called The Long House. So it will be making a difference right here in Adrian’s own beloved community.

“We help patients and families cope with the impact of life-limiting illnesses like cancer, and The Long House provides a great deal of support to dozens of people every single week.

“Thank you to all who donated in Adrian’s memory, we are extremely grateful.”