‘A legacy of kindness’: Hundreds line the streets of Bolton for funeral of former mayoress
Gay Wharton, 58, died after being hit by a car on Chorley New Road last month.
Hundreds of people have lined the streets of Bolton to say a final farewell to a former mayoress who left ‘a legacy of kindness’ to the town.
Gay Wharton, 58, who gave untold hours of her time to many Bolton-based charities, died from her injuries after being hit by a car on Chorley New Road last month.
Mrs Wharton, who leaves husband Steve and sons Matthew and Adam, was mayoress of Bolton alongside 2014 mayor Cllr Martin Donaghy and a second mayoress, Jacqueline Tracey.
In freezing conditions on Friday morning, hundreds lined Chorley New Road and the entrance lane to Overdale West Chapel where a private funeral service took place.
The funeral cortege paused in front of the gathered mourners as they paid their respects and as the car carrying her coffin turned off towards the crematorium a wave of gentle and sustained applause broke out as those gathered showed their appreciation of her life.
Among those gathered was David Hayes, who works at the mayor’s office at Bolton Council.
He said Mrs Wharton’s kindness and enthusiasm in her role of mayoress changed the attitudes of him and many others.
He said: “Gay was a total pleasure to work during her year in office with and her attitude during that year I know changed me and others.
“Her inspiration changed things for the better to do with how we work with charities and that is still going on and so she leaves a legacy of kindness for the people of Bolton.”
Among the causes closest to her heart was the women’s refuge Fortalice.
The other mayoress in 2014, Jacqueline Tracey, who also worked with Mrs Wharton at Sainsbury’s in Bolton, was also among those gathered.
Fighting back tears, she said: “Gay was lovely, kind, hardworking and a friend to everyone she met.
“It’s gratifying, but no surprise to see all the people out here paying their respects as she was held in such genuine affection by everyone she encountered.”
Frank Delacy, 64, said he had been profoundly affected by his friend’s sudden death.
He said: “I first met Gay a few years ago when I set up some marquees for a charity event she organised.
“We saw each other several times since and got on so well.
“I was always struck how kind and generous she was.
“When I heard of how she died it genuinely affected me.
“It’s so tragic, heartbreaking, such a loss of a lovely person.”
It is hoped that when coronavirus restrictions are lifted, hopefully early next year, a memorial service for Mrs Wharton, will take place at Bolton Parish Church were more people can show their appreciation.