Widow’s £1m quest

£1m PLEDGE: Angela and her late husband Eric

A vow to raise £1 million to help sufferers of a terrible illness were the last words of a heartbroken wife as she said her final goodbye to her husband.

As Eric Armitage, from Chadderton, was laid to rest after losing his eight-year battle with multiple system atrophy, his wife Angela pledged to devote her life to raising the money - so others don’t have to suffer as he did.

“I told him I would raise a million and I fully intend to do it,” said Angela, who has cared for Eric as he fought the devastating neurological condition.

“It was Eric’s wish to help fellow sufferers so that one day they do not have to go through what he went through from this relentless and cruel disease.”

Hundreds of people turned out at the funeral at Blackley Crematorium following his death last month, and donated nearly £1,500 to the Multiple System Atrophy Trust.

Family and friends from Eric’s days as woodwork project manager at Chadderton Hall Park and as a Oldham Council learning mentor attended, as did all his carers.

“The funeral director said he’d never seen the chapel so full, it was amazing,” said Angela.

“It was a very uplifting experience and a lovely tribute to Eric and I’d like to say a big thank-you to everyone for the kindness they showed in donating such a wonderful amount in his memory.

The family is planning a series of supermarket collections and a masquerade ball at Rochdale Football Club in September.

twitter: @GillPottsOC