St Catherine’s pays tribute to councillor and long-standing hospice supporter

St Catherine’s Hospice has joined with others from the South Ribble community to pay their respects to Councillor Graham Walton who has died suddenly.

Councillor Walton and his wife Karen were long-standing supporters of the charity, particularly during their year as Mayor and Mayoress in 2014/15.

They raised a fantastic £4,000 for St Catherine’s during their term of office, generated through a variety of events including the Mayor’s Afternoon Tea which they hosted at the hospice’s on-site café The Mill. Other fundraisers included a canal boat ‘Tapas Cruise’, a race day at Beverley and a quiz night.

The couple visited St Catherine’s often during their term, touring the facilities and meeting with patients, families, volunteers and staff.

Stephen Greenhalgh, Chief Executive of St Catherine’s, said: “It was always a pleasure to welcome Graham and Karen to the hospice – updating them on our work and introducing them to the patients and families we care for.

“They were always genuinely interested and enthusiastic about what we are trying to achieve. Graham’s passion for his local community and commitment to local people shone through each time we met and continued after his mayoral year.

“His contribution to the South Ribble area, not least his wonderful efforts for St Catherine’s, are truly outstanding. Everyone at St Catherine’s is shocked by the suddenness of his passing and sends their deepest condolences to Karen and his family at this very sad and difficult moment.”

Share with your friends!