THE FATHER of a woman who died from breast cancer aged just 32 has helped raised more than £80,000 in her memory.
Since Angela Gildea’s untimely death in 2002, her father Joe Gildea has worked tirelessly to ensure there is better equipment and treatment available at the Countess of Chester Hospital to treat other breast cancer patients.
Joe, landlord of the Ship Victory, in George Street, Chester, hosted a party in January to mark the eighth anniversary of Angela's death, in aid of the Angela Gildea Appeal.
"We have always fundraised here at the pub and before Angela became ill we collected for Miles for Smiles," explained Joe, 70.
"But during the five months in which Angela was being treated at the Countess we noticed lots of fundraising signs around to try and bring a special breast cancer unit to the hospital - so we decided to channel our efforts into that."
Thanks to the genroristy and dedication of the Ship Victory customers, as well as Angela’s close family and friends, the pub is celebrating raising £81,000 in just eight years for the breast cancer unit.
Through a variety of fundraising quests including bike rides to John O’ Groats, an annual rounders match and weekly quizes, Joe said that the constant generosity of his customers has earned them the name of 'the little pub with the big heart'.
"The appeal helps me to get through everything as it is all in Angela’s memory," said Joe.
"The hospital has a huge catchment area so I know that our efforts are helping lots and lots of people."
Joe paid tribute to the people who have helped them smash their fundraising target in the years since his beloved daughter’s death.
He said: "It's really the people in the pub that have made all of this happen - and the wierd thing is that I'd say 70 per cent of the people in here didn't even know her."
Angela partnered Joe as landlady at the popular Chester-based pub on Gorstacks car park and was a keen darts player and serving officer of the 610 City of Chester Air Cadets.
Angela, who was given a military funeral, is still dearly missed by her doting father Joe, who visits her grave every two weeks.
"The fund has been a great help to me to keep Angela's memory alive and help those who are affected by breast cancer," added Joe.
At a party held on the eight anniversary of Angela's death on January 15, a new fundraising appeal was unveiled which will raise money for a therapeutic visual system on the unit.
The fundraising manager at the Countess, Kate Taylor, said: “We are extremely grateful for everyone who has donated to the Angela Gildea Appeal over the last eight years and we are particularly thankful for her family and friends’ commitment to organising all of the fundraising events to make it such a success and also to all the wonderful customers at the Ship Victory who support the appeal year on year.
"I’m sure Angela would’ve been extremely proud and happy that such hard work and effort has allowed more fortunate breast cancer patients to benefit from the treatment that her appeal has helped to provide.”