THE MEMORY of a Wigan man has been honoured by family and friends who raised £7,000 for charities.
Property Developer Dave Green, 54, from Springfield passed away in January just weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Within days of his passing two friends – Paul Ramsdale and Ian Schofield, both of Springfield, had pledged to run a half marathon in his memory. Paul set up the Just Giving page and within hours the target of £2,000 was passed.
The pair ran on the 6th February, the Saturday before Dave’s funeral on the 8th. The run started on Springfield Road and went through Standish and Shevington before finishing at the Springfield Hotel where Dave liked to drink.
Dave’s sister Julie Green, 56, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the love, support and generosity people have shown. Nobody could believe it got up to £7,000.”
Paul stated on his Just Giving page:
‘Dave was a regular on Arky’s coaches to watch Wigan Athletic away games he loved the banter and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Can I ask you all, if you wish to make a donation, please do, Dave wasn’t shy at putting his hand in his pocket for others that I do know.’
Missing Him
Paul said, “I can’t believe the amount that’s been given and everyone who has donated needs to be applauded. It just shows what a lad Dave was. We used to both put bets on the horses and would share the winnings if either of us won. He did our drive, every time I walk in it, it reminds me of him. I’ll miss him… I really will.”
The funds were split between Wigan and Leigh Hospice who helped cared for Dave in his final weeks and the Royal Marines Charity which was a personal favourite charity of Dave’s.
It all happened really fast
At the end of October Dave began to feel lethargic and put it down to work and stress. He became off-balance and thought he had an ear infection. Still feeling unwell he had blood tests around November 9th, before his family and friends persuaded him to go to A&E as his symptoms had worsened over a matter of days – he had begun to weaken on his right side, was losing grip in his hand and struggling to walk. He also started to slur and had difficulty recalling words.
It was in A&E on November 16th where it was discovered that Dave had a small shadow on his brain. A week later he was being taken for a further scan in a wheelchair due to the lethargy and lack of use of his right leg. Following the scan Dave was admitted to Wigan Infirmary.
Approximately ten days after that first scan a further scan showed that the tumour had quadrupled in size and quite soon afterwards he could hardly speak or walk at all. Even though he didn’t have any symptoms it was discovered that Dave also had pancreatic cancer and shockingly both cancers were primary.
An appointment with a neurosurgeon
On December 8th Dave’s partner Kerry Bond, 49, and Julie accompanied Dave to an appointment with a Neurosurgeon at Salford Royal.
Kerry said: “We were told the tumour on Dave’s brain was either a glioblastoma or a lymphoma and that they would carry out further tests. We received a call from the Neurosurgeon on the 16th December and received the devastating news that Dave had a Glioblastoma – an aggressive, grade 4 primary brain tumour which was too aggressive to treat, we were told he had a matter of weeks to live and that arrangements would be made for him to be home for Christmas.”
Going home at Christmas
Dave came home on Christmas Eve 2020 and passed away on January 15th, 2021.
Kerry said: “Because he had difficulty communicating it made it all the more frustrating and upsetting for him…. for us all to be honest, we tried our best to keep the mood light, conversations became guessing games and we used to laugh at how quick, or how long it took us to get to the point. We were so relieved to have him home and even up until he passed away he was still laughing.”
Julie added: “Dave loved going on holiday, seeing his mates for a beer, watching Wigan Athletic and golfing. He was a real character – always laughing and making jokes but also really lovely and considerate. If friends were going through a tough time he’d always be there for them.
“Wendy from the hospice was there when Dave passed away. She was lovely and gentle and there when we needed her, she kept us calm and stayed with Dave when he passed away, she didn’t just get up and leave but she offered to stay until the funeral director came and that meant a lot.
“We had some brilliant support from the hospice and that’s why we wanted some of the funds to go there. They were really supportive and gave really good practical advice, they also signposted us to different services which meant we were able to care for Dave at home better, they also spoke to Dave about his final wishes.
“When Paul rang up and said he wanted to run a half marathon to raise funds we wanted some to go to the hospice to show our thanks.”
Dave had his own business for over 30 years, beginning in property then moving onto repairs, gardens and cleaning. His brother Stephen Green and nephew Joe Green will continue to run Dave’s business, DG Cleaning Ltd.
Dave will be laid to rest with his brother, Mark, the interment of Dave’s ashes with a short service at Gidlow Cemetery will be held at 3pm on 2nd July followed by a drink to celebrate Dave’s life at the Springfield Hotel.