Memorial bench for tragic Nellie

THINKING of you: Joan Walton (general manager) and fundraiser Paul Houldsworth at Shawside Nursing Home with the memorial bench.

WELL-WISHERS have donated a memorial bench in memory of tragic pensioner, Nellie Geraghty.

The 79 year old was found unconscious with head injuries on November 24, after she was mugged for her handbag, which contained the ashes of her husband Frank. She died the following day from her injuries. The bag and its contents have not been found.
Members of a Facebook tribute page led by Royton fundraiser John Ryan pledged donations for a memorial to remember the great-grandmother.

Organisers had already bought a memorial bench before they found it was unsuitable for use on council-owned land. Fellow fund raiser Paul Houldsworth and others also helped to raise almost £1,000 in donations.

The original bench has now been put at the entrance to Shawside Nursing Home with a plaque which reads: “In loving memory of Frank and Nellie Geraghty, together forever, RIP”.

A second bench has been bought from the council and the group hopes this will be placed in Shaw’s memorial garden.

Joan Walton, manager at Shawside, said: “It’s really sad about Nellie, but the bench is at the entrance where the coffee house is, so residents can sit outside in the summer. Nellie used to come to our community spirit week with a group of ladies and she really enjoyed coming here.”