Westhoughton woman challenge in tribute to her dad

A Westhoughton character, friends at the White Lion pub called him “Diamond Dave.” And he was known for beating the odds.

Diagnosed in the pandemic, he lived to see three more years. Partly thanks to the care he received at Bolton Hospice.

His daughter, Cheryl, said: “From the time my dad was diagnosed, the hospice made sure he had the best care and treatment possible.

“Every single person from reception staff to cleaners and doctors were selfless and compassionate.”

Dave Hunt (Image: Cheryl Hunt)

In the three years he was diagnosed, he was in and out of the hospice.

Cheryl said: “You can only stay a couple weeks at a time, but he was admitted every couple of months.

“There were several times that we were told that he might not make it, then he would bounce back and discharged. Then he would go back in again because he took a turn for the worse.”

Dave lost his battle on Tuesday, August 8.

 Cheryl, 32, has found a way to thank Bolton Hospice for by raising money for them while commemorating her father.

For a full 24 hours from 7:00 pm on Wednesday to 7:00pm Thursday, she has been cycling and walking from her father’s beloved White Lion Pub to Bolton Hospice and back as many times as possible.

Cheryl Hunt (Image: Cheryl Hunt)

Her friend Natalie Murphy, 30, has joined.

Cheryl said: “I chose this challenge because it’s really hard and also different.

“I didn’t want to just do something everybody else does, I wanted to make it something challenging for myself and my friend Natalie.

“This will be really tough physically but it doesn’t even come close to what Bolton Hospice patients go through when they have cancer.”

The fundraiser has struck a chord with friends and well-wishers. She has raised £1,700, more than double her original goal of £500.

When looking back at her journey with her father, she said: “It was one of the most horrendous things I have ever experienced and the most beautiful at the same time.

“I could never imagine seeing someone go through the unbearable pain my dad did but I couldn’t have wished for a better place for him to spend his time when he really needed it.”

Cheryl Hunt and Natalie Murphy during their challenge (Image: Cheryl Hunt)

She recalls her father’s strength and is inspired by it.

She said: “He was a character. He loved his kids, loved his grandkids, and was quite humorous.

“He was the bravest person I’ve ever known with everything that he went through.

“No matter what happened to him, he had a smile on his face.”

Cheryl and Natalie have covered 65 miles each during their challenge. They have one ride to go. 

Cheryl said: "It has been extremely difficult. We didn't anticipate how tough it would be mentally, but we are nearly there."

To give to Cheryl’s fundraising campaign, go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/cheryl-hunt-1721918216594