Eric’s legacy ball

Angela Armitage and her husband Eric, who died in April

A MEMORIAL ball has helped a fundraising legacy to live on.

The Mandarin Masquerade Ball at Rochdale Football Club was held in memory of Chadderton grandad Eric Armitage (61), who succumbed to multiple system atrophy in April after an eight year battle.

Organised by his sister Bev Wrigley with the help of Eric’s wife Angela, kind hearted guests helped to raise £3,376 for the MSA Trust.

Eric and his family pledged to generate £1 million to help fund research into the debilitating neurological condition, which currently has no cure. So far they have raised £40,400.

“The ball was spectacular,” said Angela. “The head of fundraising from the MSA Trust, Joan Smith, came up from London to support the ball, local businesses supported us by donating prizes – I truly couldn’t believe the fantastic support.”

For more information on the MSA Trust visit www.msatrust.org.uk