A FAMILY from Wrexham spoke of the "immense pride" they felt as they honoured their late father, six years on from his passing. 

Norman Land died in May 2017 aged 70 and on what would have been his 76th birthday, his family gathered to remember him. 

Following his death, his family set up a 'forget me not' fund in his name at Nightingale House Hospice, a place Norman held very close to his heart. 

His son Ian and daughter Sharon have since spearheaded a variety of charity and fundraising events to raise money for the hospice. 

The efforts have included night cycles and midnight walks; a Kilimanjaro climb, raffles, and ladies evenings, all of which the proceeds have gone to Nightingale House. 

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In December, the fundraising efforts passed the £5,000 mark and as a result, they received an engraved pebble in the fountain outside the hospice. 

Sharon spoke of the pride she felt during the ceremony which took place on Sunday (January 15). 

She said: "This has been a personal point of focus, as it was something we all wanted in Dad's memory.

"We all felt immense pride today at reaching our milestone in fundraising and felt it was fitting that we were able to celebrate this on Dad’s birthday.

"Outside the Hospice today was quite an emotional moment; keeping his memory alive, continuing his ethos, bringing together family and friends and benefiting a worthy cause. Ironically it was just the sort of event today my Dad loved, everyone, spending time together.

The Leader: The stone placed at Nightingale HouseThe stone placed at Nightingale House (Image: Sharon Darlington)

"It was a truly special event for us all, family, friends and members of Dad’s chapel, Mount Pleasant, Rhos. 

"Dad would have been extremely proud, he always encouraged us, leading by example, to show interest in our community and support to others. With the hospice he truly believed 'every penny counts'."

Sharon says that the fundraising efforts are not done and that they have already got their next target in mind. 

She added: "The fundraising has created many happy times bringing us all together and although we all miss him in different ways this common goal means he continues to unite us. It has given us a positive experience out of a shared loss.

"We intend to continue with our fundraising; the next big milestone is £10,000, and this is marked by a tree planted in memory.

"We’ll keep working towards our next target."