FRIENDS of pensioner May Appleton packed into St John’s Church at Lostock Gralam to celebrate her life.

May died in hospital in June at the age of 87, and was well known in the area, in particular at the church.

May’s three sons decided to organise a musical evening in memory of their mother featuring Father Francis, a Franciscan Friar from Pantasaph in north Wales.

Father Francis performed popular and religious songs at the church, and the evening raised more than £650 for church funds through the sale of tickets and a raffle.

“It was a splendid evening, with a lovely, warm atmosphere, and was thoroughly enjoyed by everybody there,” said Reverend Brian Harris, vicar of the parish of Lostock Gralam.

“The church was full, with many people remembering Father Francis from when he used to perform regularly in the middle of Northwich.”

The evening began with a prayer remembering May Appleton, and Father Francis entertained the audience with a variety of songs, from hymns to songs from the shows and love songs, ending with ‘You’ll never walk alone.’

The church choir also sang hymns and children’s songs.

“Father Francis obviously enjoyed the event, and emailed saying - ‘there was a lovely atmosphere of peace, love and happiness’”, added Reverend Harris.

“More than £650 was raised for church funds, which May’s sons Brian, Mark and Paul said would have delighted their mother, and they said a heartfelt and personal thankyou to Father Francis for agreeing to perform in her memory.

“Thanks were also said to the brothers for all the work they had done in organising the event and to the many individuals and firms which supported it in different ways, including by making donations and gifts of raffle prizes.”

Father Francis has an MBE for services to charity, and raised money for a charity supporting starving people across the world by selling signed photographs of himself and other donations.

He will be returning to St John’s Church on Friday, December 16, for a Christmas concert at 7.30pm, and people are already asking for tickets for the show.