Paint It Black Charity Ball organised in memory of Dave Clare

Dave Clare, from Winsford, died during lockdown in January 2021 after being taken to Leighton Hospital on Christmas Day.

The 71-year-old, who was a big fan of the Rolling Stones, was transferred to St Luke's Hospice, in Winsford, which cared for him during his final days.

Now daughter Rebecca Kinnear is organising the 'Paint It Black Charity Ball', in honour of Dave and his love of the Stones, to support the hospice.

The 35-year-old said: "The ball is in memory of my wonderful dad, who was such a kind and lovely man.

"He was never one to make a fuss and, unfortunately, the Covid lockdowns meant we were not able to make a fuss of him when we wanted to.

“Covid meant we couldn't celebrate his 70th birthday together and that we could only have a small funeral with no wake.

Rebecca and Dave on a 'Desert Island Discs' experience (Image: Rebecca Kinnear)

"It didn’t seem fair to me we were not able to honour him the way he deserved and so, for what would have been his 75th birthday, I want to celebrate him the way he deserves.

"The fact that I can do that while raising money for such an incredible charity, is the cherry on top.

"I felt we were really fortunate Dad was able to spend his last few days at the hospice and receive the incredible care they give.

"As a family we have always supported St Luke’s, my mum has always played the lottery for them and I have taken my dogs in to visit patients."

Dave had spent his life as a business owner, running Clare’s Micro Supplies - a computer hardware and software company in Northwich, then Middlewich - but music remained his life-long passion.

Rebecca added: "Music was his biggest interest, specifically The Rolling Stones, so the ball gets its name to honour that.

Dave with daughter Rebecca as a baby (Image: Rebecca Kinnear)

"I remember listening to music on his Hi-Fi when I was growing up, he introduced me to all his old music like Bob Marley, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. It was really nice.

"This celebration of him and his life is also about celebrating his love of music as well.

"It was really important for me to get a live band because I know that was something that meant the world to him, appreciating live music."

The Paint It Black Charity Ball will take place at the Cranage Estate on Saturday, March 8, 2025.

Now Rebecca appealing to businesses for support in donating gifts or prizes which could be used to raise more money at the special event.

She can be contacted at rebecca.charityball@outlook.com, or via the Paint It Black Charity Ball Facebook page. 

She added: "The ball is very exciting, a band will be playing, a magician will be entertaining people during the cocktail hour, and we’ve got a casino table for people to play on.

"Of course there will also be prizes and raffles taking place for people who are coming to win.

"I’m hoping that businesses will be able to offer experiences like afternoon tea, meals or spa days. Anything like that will get people really excited.

“I have been really blown away so far by the generosity of businesses in the area willing to support the ball. We have already had quite a few businesses that donated money to help with the set up costs."

Sponsors so far include: RapidStart Recruitment, Empire Commercial Finance, Simply Signs, Maneki Neko Tattoo, So Glamorous, AB Surveying, Amy McMurray Photography, Cheshire Scalp and Aesthetics, Willows Veterinary Group and Hipswing.

A St Luke’s Hospice spokesman added: "As a charity we make no charge for our services, but rely on the support of our local community, our own fundraising efforts and a modest contribution from the NHS.

"This enables us to provide support to patients and their families according to their individual needs. Our doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals receive more than 1,000 referrals each year, supporting a local population of more than 300,000 people.

"This is only made possible by the continued support and generous donations of our community, who provide more than 80 per cent of the cost of running the hospice.

"It costs £15,304 per day to run the hospice, so it is prudent for a charity like ours, to have the support from incredible local supporters who allow us to continue to provide our very special care to patients and their families."