Hundreds mourn charity campaigners killed in crash

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 17:15 · Archive

Hundreds attended the funeral of Alan Charlton and Joy McCulloch, who died in a crash on 3 October.

Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral of Alan Charlton, 90, and Joy McCulloch, 74, at Darlington Crematorium. The couple died in a two-vehicle crash on the A171 near Scaling Dam on 3 October while on their way to a weekend break at Whitby.

Both were awarded the MBE for their community contributions. Alan received his in 2006 for serving in a wide range of voluntary roles, particularly as long-standing chair of The Friends of Darlington Memorial Hospital. Joy was awarded hers in 1999 for services to healthcare, having worked as a cardiac nurse at Darlington Memorial Hospital. Volunteers from the hospital charity were among those who carried his coffin.

Celebrant Laura Parks told the congregation that Alan had 'an untold impact on a great many people out of the goodness of his heart'. She described him as a 'brilliant man' known for his loyalty, organisational skills and 'endlessly positive' nature. 'Everyone remembers Alan as a truly lovely man,' she said, 'who was one of those fantastic, life-affirming people, who set a staggering example to us all.'

How it is being reported

• Huge turnout in Darlington to celebrate life of 'truly lovely man' killed in crashHundreds of mourners turned out in Darlington today to say farewell to a charity campaigner awarded the MBE for services to his community.Darlington & Stockton Times · 27 Oct, 15:32
• Huge turnout in Darlington to celebrate life of 'truly lovely man' killed in crashHundreds of mourners turned out in Darlington today to say farewell to a charity campaigner awarded the MBE for services to his community.The Northern Echo · 27 Oct, 15:00

In this story: Alan Charlton · Joy McCulloch · Darlington · The Friends of Darlington Memorial Hospital · Darlington Memorial Hospital

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