The Kelly family’s story

The Kellys have taken part in a number of different fundraising events, from runs to cake sales to open mic nights

The Kelly family have been heavily involved in fundraising for St Ann’s to say thank you for the care and compassion shown towards their dad, Ian, who died on the 14th March 2016 after several weeks as an inpatient at Heald Green.

None of us knew much about the hospice until Dad was there, but our mum Janice and the rest of the family were blown away by the five-star service he received. The hospice is invaluable and they treat people with care and dignity to the very end. Greg Kelly

Ian’s son Greg, an actor by trade who appears in the BBC drama New Blood, has competed in road races and triathlons to raise money, including the Salford Triathlon in July. His sister Linda held a cake sale, while his other sister Rachel took part in a 3km swim in Lake Windermere. Their brother Mark, a singer-songwriter who has supported Duffy on tour, hosted an open mic evening to raise money.

We initially wanted to raise funds for the hospice at my dad’s funeral, and things just went from there. We have now raised well over £10,000 and we’re edging closer towards reaching our £16,000 goal. Greg Kelly

The family were also featured in the BBC programme ‘Christmas City’, a five-part series that looks at what it takes to deliver a truly special Christmas.

The episode followed the Kelly family as they looked ahead to their first Christmas since their dad passed away. In the episode the family returned to the hospice to meet some of the staff who cared for their dad, and presenter Hayley Hassall also accompanied them as they attend the Light up a Life service at Manchester Cathedral to celebrate Ian’s life.

He was always a family man and put us first over himself. I deeply miss my dad, as do all my family, and we have taken part in all these different fundraising events, challenges and collections in his memory. Greg Kelly
Kelly Family Light up a Life Manchester Cathedral