Staff and volunteers at Trinity Hospice this morning paid tribute to Harry Wyers – a longstanding friend and supporter whose son was the original inspiration for a hospice in the Fylde.

Harry passed away just days after giving us a cheque for £1,000, the proceeds of his latest – and final – snooker tournament.

The Hospice flag flew at half mast and staff and volunteers stood silently to pay their respects as Harry’s funeral procession passed.

The family’s links with Trinity go  back over 30 years. Brian Wyers was a young man with a terminal brain tumour but the town had no hospice facilities, and nowhere to provide specialist end of life care for him. Brian was a patient of Dr David Cooper, who was determined to change things.

Though Brian never got to see Trinity, a wing of the hospice was named after him, and the rest is history. Harry and Brian have left the town an amazing legacy as without them, Trinity might not be here.

One of our Trustees attended the funeral to represent the hospice and our Matron Julie Huttley, who has known the family for many years says: “We are so sad to hear of Harry’s death, just days after he presented us with a cheque towards patient care here at the hospice. His son Brian was the original inspiration for the founding of the hospice, and the family have been supporting us in the background ever since those early days.

 “One memory I have of Harry is that he lived just across the road from the hospice, and one night accidentally locked himself out in the pouring rain. He came over here for help and ended up staying the night with us!

 “He leaves a wonderful and lasting legacy. Brian’s story was part of a film made specially for our 30^th anniversary celebrations in 2016. His – and Harry’s – lives made a big difference to Trinity Hospice over more than three decades. I know Harry will be very much missed.”