Family and colleagues remember prison officer who lived life to the full

A dad-of-two from Chorley was remembered by family and friends during a special fundraising golf day.

Prison officers from HMP Wymott in Ulnes Walton, Leyland, were on par when they went head-to-head at the charity event in memory of colleague Nigel Lloyd, raising money for St Catherine’s Hospice.

Nigel, a prison officer who was a member of the club, died at St Catherine’s in December 2014, after being diagnosed with secondary cancer in 2012.

His wife Jayne said: “He had chemotherapy and radiotherapy every day for seven weeks, but around Christmas 2013, he was told he probably only had a year left.

“We got married the following April and travelled the world, ticking off his dream list and visiting places like Thailand and Abu Dhabi – we had a wonderful time.”

The couple, parents to Daniel, age 20, and Anna, 15, were shocked when Nigel was referred to the hospice just six weeks after returning from their travels.

“It all happened so fast,” Jayne said. “But St Catherine’s came to feel like a home from home. I stayed there and they even let our dog visit.

“The staff did so much to support Nigel and our family. They talked to us and just really looked after us, and made us feel like we weren’t alone.

“I can’t fault the care he received – it’s a wonderful cause, and I don’t know how we would have coped without St Catherine’s. It’s nice to give something back.”

The second annual Nigel Lloyd Memorial Golf Day was held at Chorley Golf Club to raise money for the Lostock Hall hospice.

Around 50 of Nigel’s workmates took part in the golf day, enjoying time on the course and in the club house with breakfast, a buffet tea, and raffle.

Organiser Iain Melling said: “It was a really good turnout and it was great to do it at Chorley – Nigel was a member there for about 10 years and really loved golf.

“We held the first memorial golf day last year and we’ll keep doing it in his memory. He’ll never be forgotten.”

Lorraine Charlesworth, director of community and income at the hospice, said: “One of the special things about St Catherine’s is that our dedicated staff are here for patients and their families every step of the way, through our specialist teams of doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers and volunteers.

“We are here to help people facing life-shortening illnesses such as cancer, Motor Neurone Disease, MS and heart failure to experience the best possible quality of life, to have comfort and dignity in death, to support families during bereavement and to create positive opportunities for remembrance.

“When families choose to support the charity through their own fundraising efforts, and take the opportunity to remember a loved one like Nigel’s family and colleagues have done, it is great testament to everyone here who works so hard to make what is often a very difficult and emotional experience that little bit more manageable and comforting.

“I’d like to thank everyone who supported the Nigel Lloyd Memorial Golf Day to help us raise vital funds, so we can continue providing specialist care and support to local people now and in the future.”

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