Wednesday 20 September 2023

THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised for life-saving equipment in memory of a popular Beverley man who died suddenly on Christmas Day. Retired schoolteacher Keith Wood died unexpectedly from heart-related problems, aged 68. Now, nine of his family and friends have completed a 51-mile walk from York Minster to Beverley Minster, along the Minster Way, to raise funds for defibrillators, as well as the Daniel Wilkinson Foundation and Pancreatic Cancer UK.

**The team about to leave York Minster**

As previously reported by Beverley FM, the team initially hoped to raise £2,000. However, as fundraising gathered pace, their current total stands at more than £9,600 once all money pledged by supporters has been paid.

One defibrillator will be installed at the Angel pub in Beverley and a second will be located at the Lord Nelson pub in the town, both venues where Keith enjoyed visiting.

The team is now looking into potentially buying a third defibrillator. Keith’s daughter Katy Wood, 38, said: “We’re absolutely blown away by the support we’ve received. Dad would have been completely overwhelmed by this and we can’t thank everyone enough for their kindness and generosity.”

And she continued: “A defibrillator couldn’t have saved dad but it could save one of his friends, or a member of the community he loved, which is a wonderful legacy in memory of an outstanding man who was everybody’s friend.”

Keith Wood. BELOW: The team near Millington on day two of the walk

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TALKS, workshops, stalls, refreshments and children’s activities, including puppet shows, will form part of the town’s first Eco Fair, a free event taking place at Beverley Minster on Saturday September 30. Under the awe-inspiring Gaia installation in the church, businesses, charities, local groups and East Riding Council will come together to showcase what they’re doing to support the environment and help save the planet. The event will run from 10am to 4pm.

THE Viewfinder Photographic Society’s annual exhibition will take place in Skidby Village Hall from October 13 -15 before moving on to Lockington Village Hall from October 20 – 22 and then, for the first time, to the Ferguson Fawsitt in Walkington from October 23 – 27.