High Sheriff of Cheshire awards Northwich dad for volunteer work

David Lanham, from Northwich, has been presented with an award by the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Clare Hayward, in recognition of his ‘great and valuable services to the community’.

It comes as the 52-year-old was told he may have just a month to live following a terminal cancer diagnosis three weeks ago.

Last Saturday (October 5), 80 friends, family and charity representatives gathered at the Slow & Easy pub in Lostock Gralam to celebrate David, who has dedicated the past three decades of his life to volunteer work, while also being a full-time carer for his wife, Rachel.

David’s son, Michael Lanham, said: “Dad you are an amazing person and deserve this more than ever.

“We had all of his past colleagues, from Age UK, Red Cross, Cheshire Young Carers, Round Table. Every single charity he has worked for came on Saturday night just to recognise him and say thank you for everything he has done.

"It was a lot for him to take in. He didn’t expect it, he thought it was jut going to be family.

"It’s come to the point where he can’t do any more for anybody and it is time for us to take over and give back to him."

David added: "A massive thank you to everyone who made my night extra special.

"Thank you for all the wonderful support and love you all showed."

The award presented to David (Image: Supplied)

David met Rachel in 1995 and within two weeks had asked her to marry him.

They tied the knot in 1997 and the following year David signed up to be a special constable for Northwich Police, carrying out patrols at nights and weekends, whilst also caring for his newborn son.

In 1999 he became a volunteer bus driver for Age UK, taking elderly clients to day care and meals out, as well as days out to the seaside at Southport, New Brighton and Llandudno.

David also hosted bingo nights and music quizzes for Age UK, as well as dressing up as Santa every Christmas.

David Lanham with son Michael, wife Rachel, and the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Clare Hayward (centre) (Image: Supplied)

In 2013 David began volunteering at Cheshire Young Carers’ weekly youth club, a role he would continue in for the next seven years.

Alongside this, David started helping the British Red Cross by delivering mobility aids to people in need across Cheshire and the surrounding counties, sharing the knowledge he had gained from caring for his wheelchair-bound wife.

Then, in 2017, David began a new role as a volunteer driver for what is now the Crane Quality Counselling charity shop on Witton Street, where he was nicknamed ‘Dave the Great’ for his work.

Sadly, in June this year David was rushed to A&E at Leighton Hospital where he would spend the next five weeks recovering from a bile duct blockage.

Three weeks ago, David received a terminal cancer diagnosis.

During Saturday's party, which also served as his 52nd birthday celebration, David received certificates of appreciation from Cheshire Age UK for 20 years’ service, from the British Red Cross for 10 years’ service, Crane Quality Counselling for seven years of dedication and from Cheshire Young Carers.

Local MPs Mike Amesbury and Andrew Cooper are among those to have shared their gratitude for David's lifetime of volunteer work.

Mr Amesbury said: "We wanted to say a massive thank you to Dave for his selfless commitment to the town through his volunteering work over more than 30 years.

"It’s absolutely fitting Dave has been recognised for making such a positive impact on the lives of so many people. As one well-wisher put it – the world would be a better place if there were more Dave’s in it!

"Our warmest regards go to Dave, his wife Rachel and son Michael."

Mr Cooper added: "Dave Lanham has shown selfless commitment to the community through his volunteering work across more than three decades, a true Northwich stalwart.

"This recognition is fully deserved."