She was admitted to St. Rocco’s last November following the diagnosis of an aggressive form of cancer.

“There was such a short space of time between Kim’s diagnosis and her passing away,” explained Chris, who is the Operational Director at Widnes Vikings Select Security Stadium,

“We only had 26 days and twelve of them were spent in St. Rocco’s where they just couldn’t do enough for us. We had unbelievable treatment from everyone – nurses, the volunteers, and the catering staff who would make Kim food at any time if she fancied something. Even night staff who were off duty would make a point of coming to ask me how I was.”

All the rooms on the inpatient unit at St. Rocco’s are named after flowers and initially Kim was in the Lavender Room.

“I wanted to be with Kim as much as possible and the staff joked with us that they were ‘upgrading’ our stay to the Sunflower Room which had extra space for me! Kim had a great sense of humour and it was lovely that we could still have a laugh over things.”

Chris is has been organising his own Sunflower Ball on Saturday 19th August, two days before Kim’s birthday, at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes as a way of saying thank you and helping us to continue to look after those who need us.

“The care we received from St. Rocco’s was very special and if there is anything I can do to support them, I will. I’m really grateful for the support they gave us at such a very difficult time.”

For tickets to the Sunflower Ball please contact Halton Stadium on stadium@halton.gov.uk or email rachelingham@stroccos.org.uk