Tributes to Kiss for Kershaw’s campaigner

Allyson Richardson-Smethurst with Latics players Matt Smith and Glenn Belezika at the start of her fundraising campaign

TRIBUTES have been paid to a 38-year-old mother who spent the last months of her life raising money for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

Allyson Richardson-Smethurst touched hearts as she campaigned for the Royton hospice, coming up with the Kiss 4 Kershaw’s campaign. She featured in the Chronicle when she locked lips with former Oldham Athletic manager Paul Dickov and some of the players to raise awareness and funds for the hospice.

Despite her personal battle against the disease, she insisted on seeing appeals manager Lisa Pearson to find out what she could do to help.

Lisa said “I got to know Allyson well because of all she did for Kershaw’s. She was an amazing person. She was never down, she was always really positive and upbeat. Allyson had a profound effect on me. She was only 38 and her death has left me devastated.”

Allyson, who dies in the hospice on October 25, leaves husband Mark and daughter Katie. The funeral is at 10.30am tomorrow at Holy Trinity Church, Waterhead, followed by committal at Oldham crematorium.


DR Kershaw’s has relaunched its Walk of Hope with the help of former Mayor of Oldham Richard Knowles.
The new path and pergola will enable patients to enjoy the hospice gardens, and benefactors will be able to buy a commemorative stone with an engraved message to be laid alongside the path.

It is hoped that the walk will help to create a lasting memory of someone special.

Information: fundraising@drkershawshospice.org.uk