Appeal launched to send cards to Storrington woman who lost her husband days before her 83rd birthday

Full time carer Sharon Goldring is hoping to bring some sunshine to her mum, Janette, after her husband died on Tuesday (May 12). He had contracted Covid-19.

Sharon paid tribute to her dad Roy Trevor Goldring, 82, from Storrington, as a ‘wonderful person’ who would ‘help everyone in need without a second thought’.

“He’d do anything for anyone, he’d give you the shirt off his back, that’s the sort of man he was, selfless,” said Sharon, who is also involved with charity and community organisational work.

“Dad was very outgoing and chatty, he’d talk the hind leg off a donkey given half a chance; he was a very open man and would open his heart to anyone who was prepared to listen.

“I will miss Dad’s exceptional strength and endurance, his guidance, patience, support and his love.

“He made me, shaped me, fed and watered me, was always there for me throughout my entire life, always, at the drop of a hat, I’d call and Dad would be there.”

Roy, who was born on January 26, 1938, suffered several health complications in the last half of his life but ‘giving up was not in his nature’, said Sharon.

He was well known in the community, working as a Prudential insurance agent for Southwater and the surrounding villages and also ran One Stop DIY and Auto in Station Road in the village.

Sharon said: “Mum and I have decided that we don’t need a funeral to say our goodbyes to Dad as he will be forever living on in our hearts.

“Instead we have decided to have a celebration of Dad’s life with happy photos, videos and stories on his birthday, January 26 2021, because hopefully by then things will be more normal and we can all be together again.”

Sharon said her mum, who is currently suffering with a broken pelvis, has already received around 45 birthday cards, many thanks to Sharon’s appeal.

The community has been brilliant, she said.

Sharon added: “We’re just so thankful for all the cards mum has received. I’m thankful to them all.”

She said she hopes the cards will lift her mum’s spirits during a difficult time but that they have already given her the ‘strength to carry on’.

Anyone who would like to send a card ahead of Janette’s birthday on May 21 can post it to the following address:

Janette & Sharon Goldring

17 Bramber Avenue

Storrington

West Sussex

RH20 4HZ

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