Eric’s legacy

ERIC ARMITAGE and his wife Angela

A KIND-HEARTED Chadderton man who helped to raise more than £27,000 for fellow sufferers of a debilitating neurological condition has finally succumbed to the illness.

Eric Armitage will be remembered for his amazing courage in the face of the cruel and ruthless killer Multiple System Atrophy, from which he died on Tuesday.

Eric (61) died in the early hours with his devoted wife Angela by his side, surrounded by pictures of his family.

“It was just me and him, my hand in his hand,” said Angela, who gave up work to care full-time for Eric. “I stroked his hair and kissed him and he just kept looking at pictures of the family, especially his one-year-old grandson Issac Eric, whom he absolutely adored. It was just as we wanted it to be. He wasn’t distressed, just calm, and for that I am grateful.

Eric had been at the mercy of the terminal condition since he was 53. It had forced him to quit the job he loved at Chadderton Hall Park, and as an Oldham Council learning mentor for the disabled.

“In my heart I’m devastated,” said Angela, “but I’m pleased Eric is now finally at peace, because he has suffered horrendously. Seeing someone you love going through that just rips your heart out.”

After being diagnosed with the rare disease, the keen sportsman vowed to raise its profile and raise money for research.

To date the family has raised almost £27,400 towards its £30,000 target for the Multiple System Atrophy Trust.

Eric’s sister Beverley Wrigley said: “Eric was an amazing person. He knew this fundraising was never going to affect his life but he wanted to do something to alleviate the suffering of others.”

Eric’s funeral is at Blackley Crematorium on March 12.