Big fundraising event to celebrate lives of father and daughter

Newton “George” Williams was a popular and well-loved character on the Dewsbury Moor estate where he was known to everyone as “Uncle George”.

George died on March 15, aged 83. He had been battling cancer but went into hospital with Covid-19.

Just weeks earlier George’s daughter, Tracey Lemmon, 40, died on her way to hospital in an ambulance.

The death of Tracey left George devastated and family friend Tanisha Bramwell said he died of a “broken heart”.

Tanisha said George and Tracey were “best friends and soulmates” and described Tracey as a “huge part of his life”.

She added: “His passing was felt by everyone and losing them so close together was heart-breaking.”

Tanya Dunford, who lived on the estate for many years before moving to Liversedge, has organised a fundraiser in George’s memory to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Mum-of-three Tanya said: “George was ace. He was a proper character and everybody knew him on the Moor.

“He was the life and soul of any party and you would see him dancing about on his doorstep waving at people. He was loved by everyone, young and old.

“Dewsbury Moor won’t be the same without George.

“He was such a laugh and a big character. Everyone will miss him.”

The all-day event, on Saturday, August 7 at Westborough Ratepayers Working Men’s Club on Brunswick Street, is aimed at bringing the whole community back together after Covid.

It will be a family fun day with fairground rides, a bouncy castle, a DJ, tombola, a “brave the shave”, face-painting, food stalls and games.

Two men have been sponsored to have their legs waxed.

A bench in memory of George will be unveiled at the club.

Tanya added: “We are hoping for a really good turnout and we just want to raise as much as we can.

“Dewsbury Moor needs an event like this after lockdown and something to look forward to at last.”

The event will run from 10am-4pm and anyone who wants to rent a stall should contact Tanya on 07957 542888.

The event will be Covid-safe and all restrictions will be followed.