Derek’s bequest
Keen runner Derek Walton left more then £312,000 to Francis House in his Will.
A Lasting Legacy
We are very grateful to be remembered in the hearts of so many people from across the north west who kindly leave us a gift in their Will. Whether it is a gift of £50, thousands or an entire estate, the trustees at Francis House put legacy money to work to improve the lives of the children and families who need our support.
Derek Walton’s Bequest
Derek left Francis House over £312,000. Whilst we cannot track whether Derek’s legacy paid for new equipment for bath time, a hospice bed for young people with complex needs, the salary of a Registered Nurse, or provided an activity weekend for bereaved siblings, we can say that every penny was appreciated and helped the work of Francis House.
Whether a legacy is small or large, it is received with grateful thanks by the legacy team legacies@francishouse.org.uk, who help raise the £5.8 million a year we need to keep the doors of Francis House open to the families we help.
About Derek Walton
Derek loved children and was a kind, generous man and a keen runner.
Born on the 18th July 1943, Derek was a long-standing member of the Altrincham & District Athletic Club (ADAC) and Northern Veterans.
A former Altrincham Grammar School pupil, Derek worked in hospital finance and in his 20s, he became hooked on running – regularly covering 90 miles a week. In 1966, he ran his first marathon before becoming the ADAC’s first male county champion when winning the Cheshire 20-mile title.
As a veteran runner, Derek went from strength to strength, rarely suffering injury, and ran his 100th marathon in 1995.
Retirement allowed him to make his mark in endurance events – travelling to many countries overseas, including South Africa, where he competed in the Two Oceans race, a distance of over 50 miles.
He was often quoted as saying ‘It’s better to wear out than rust out.’
Derek was also a blood donor and was honoured aged 73 by NHS Blood and Transplant for donating blood 100 times.
He lived in Timperley and died aged 74.
Remembering Derek Walton
Derek’s cousin Stella Blackburn says: “Derek was a very caring and generous person. We grew up together, and he was like a brother to me. He was loved by many long-standing friends and he also loved children.”
“We were extremely grateful to receive this incredible gift from Mr Walton. It was very kind of him to think of supporting Francis House after his death. By leaving a gift in his Will, Mr Walton is helping others make their own precious memories.”
Rachael Taylor, chief executive of Francis House and solicitor
Make a Will and Help Your Loved Ones and Francis House Children’s Hospice
If you are making a Will or updating an existing Will and would like to leave a gift or a share of your estate to Francis House and have questions, email us at legacies@francishouse.org.uk.
Find out More on Gifts in Wills
If you would like to learn more about Will writing and how including a gift in your Will could make a difference to your family or to Francis House, then come to one of our Gift in Will Events.
