8:27am Tuesday 30th December 2008
By Gazette Reporter
Fundraiser Frank Ashton, 87, is taking a balloon flight to help a bereaved friend.
The pensioner, who lives in Wootton Bassett, has set up a sponsored hot air balloon flight to raise money for Prospect Hospice.
It has been organised with the help of Mr Ashton’s friend Maureen Best, 81, also of Wootton Bassett, whose daughter died of cancer in May.
Mr Ashton said: “I’d like to thank all the people for assisting me and helping me raise this money for the good cause we’re doing it for.
“I couldn’t do these things on my own.
“I have always said I like to see people with a smile rather than a long face – that has been my life.”
Mrs Best's daughter Ann Skelton, a recently retired nurse, was celebrating her 60th birthday in April at her mother’s house when she had a seizure and was taken to hospital.
Having fought off breast cancer the year before, Mrs Skelton was told she had extensive cancer in her brain and spine.
The family were approached by the hospice who offered to help care for Ann at home.
The hospice completed the necessary work, but unfortunately Mrs Skelton never made it home.
“She always went through life giving everybody a smile and something positive to work towards,”
said Mrs Best.
“Even in the last days at hospital she was supporting the hospital patients.
“The Prospect was actually fantastic.
It was quite a new thing and they were brilliant in putting in the equipment. But it wasn’t to be, I’m afraid.”
Mr Ashton has been fundraising for Prospect Hospice and worthy causes in Wootton Bassett for many years.
He was involved in setting up a hospice in Lancashire before he moved to Wiltshire.
The balloon ride will take place in early May at Lydiard Park and Frank’s fee for the ride has been paid for by Cameron Flights.
Thirteen of the pair's family and friends, including Maureen’s two daughters Jeanie Cole, from Down Ampney, and Hilary Kirkup, from Wootton Bassett, will be going up in the balloon.
It is hoped that £10,000 can be raised.
“I’m not nervous about the flight, I’m nervous about getting into the basket,” said Mrs Best.
Ms Cole said: “It has been a tough year and it would be a lovely way of remembering her.
“It’s going to be a fun and it’s something that she would respect and would love.”
Andy Renals, who works at the hospice, has known Mr Ashton as a Prospect Hospice fundraiser for many years.
“It’s just how the man is that he’s chosen to help Maureen in this way,” he said.
“Frank is an asset in Bassett. It just sort of sums up how people view him.”
Anyone wishing to sponsor the flight should call Maureen on (01793) 850774.
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk