WEST Bank residents have raised cash for a park bench in memory of a Widnes landlord who died before they had a chance to send him on a trip to Lourdes.
Cllr Pamela Wallace had been organising a series of community trips alongside publican Joe Delaney when he was suddenly taken ill.
While in hospital, Mr Delaney told his close friend Mary Beesley he wanted to visit Lourdes with his granddaughter Sarah - and Cllr Wallace helped Mrs Beesley and friend Joan Thye or ganise a collection.
The fundraisers soon gathered £544, but were hit by the news Mr Delaney had died.
The community decided to use the money to buy a memorial bench to be installed at Widnes Cemetery.
Cllr Wallace said: 'Everyone gained comfort knowing that Joe knew what the residents were doing for him, it was their way of repaying all the good work he had done over the years in raising funds for individuals and community events.
'Joe will be much missed by his daughters Sandy, Helen and family, and close neighbours and lifelong friends Keith and Dot Andrews.'
The Delaney family have thanked the fundraisers and the community for providing the bench, which will also be inscribed with a message to the people of West Bank.
