Remembering a true community champion who sadly succumbed to COVID-19

TRIBUTES have been made by family and friends to “true community champion” Peter Ives who sadly succumbed to coronavirus COVID-19, just weeks after celebrating his 80th birthday.
Peter was well known across the community for his charitable endeavours with Birchwood Lions and Warrington Disability Partnership.
He started to show cough/flu like symptoms around the 26/27th of March and he was admitted into hospital during the early hours of Tuesday morning, 31st March. He was then tested for COVID-19 and was transferred to ICU on the Wednesday, 1st April. His test results came back positive on Thursday, 2nd April and he sadly passed away early hours of Saturday, 4th April.
His family paid tribute to the staff at Warrington Hospital who ” were absolutely fantastic along every step of the way.”
Peter was born in Derby in 1940. His early years were a combination of football and working with his dad on bus and coach repairs. His father owned a repair shop called Tahsinia, named after the merchant ship, that had rescued him after his boat, the Larchbank, was sunk by a Japanese submarine in 1943.
He went on to become an apprentice at Rolls Royce. It was during this time that he met Elaine Wardle, soon to become Elaine Ives in a marriage that would last over 50 years.
The early years of marriage weren’t easy. Elaine worked as a nurse and Peter worked two jobs to make ends meet. Tragedy struck this young family twice as they lost two daughters to leukaemia.
Such a terrible loss could have proven too much for many, but instead Peter and Elaine started a charity known today as Leukaemia Care. A charity still in existence today that supports those affected by blood cancers. Three more children led to Grandchildren, and Great Grandchildren.
Leukaemia Care wasn’t the only charity Peter was involved in, he was also a long-time distinguished member of Birchwood Lions Club, a long-time supporter of Warrington Disability Partnership and countless others.
But it was Leukaemia Care that earned an audience with the royal family. Sadly, in 2015, Elaine passed away, following a short battle with cancer, Peter maintained the spirit to continue his charity work.
The immediate family has been overwhelmed by messages of support from family, friends and until now strangers. One such story of a fundraising effort that sent a young lady to Florida for lifesaving Cancer treatment with Birchwood Lions. A life lived in full, committed to service and family.
Warrington Disability Partnership Chief Executive Dave Thompson said: “Peter was a proud and very active Patron at WDP For nearly a decade. He was ever present at WDP events for nearly 20years. He was our link to not just Birchwood Lions, but Lions Clubs regionally, nationally and internationally.
“At Disability Awareness Day, Peter worked on Stewards Control Point and he led a team of over 20 Lions with Saturday’s site build and marking out, always there, always hands on, always in charge of the white line marker and tape measure.
“He was there for all of our fundraising events including lane counting at Swims and Scuba challenges, stewarding at Walks and Runs, regularly attending our Quizzes, Charity Dinners and much more. Peter helped raise thousands of pounds for WDP’s 25th anniversary.
“During the past few months Peter was as busy as ever supporters get team WDP at the opening of our new Mobility and Independent Living Stores in Sankey Street and Birchwood, stewarding at our Santa Dash at Walton Gardens and more recently Peter enjoyed an afternoon tea party in our Galleries Cafe with close friends Chrissie, Barry and Erica, as part of our treat for Peter’s 80th birthday.
“Only three weeks ago we were with Peter at the Liner Hotel in Liverpool, for the North West Lions Convention. Peter was proud as punch to introduce Lions Presidents from across the region to our team as we staffed our exhibition stand promoting Warrington Disability Partnership and Disability Awareness Day.
“I hope Peter can be remembered, not as simply a statistic to this horrendous virus, but as a loving family man, a loyal friend, a giver to charities, the community and his friends, a generous and gentleman who would always put others first, and absolutely one of a kind.
“We will dedicate our next Disability Awareness Day,due to be held on the rearranged date of 27th September, in Peter’s honour.
“Hundreds of tributes have been paid on social media including thanks and condolences from leaders of organisations and individuals Peter has touched with his time and passion to serve others, including Warrington Mela, St Rocco’s Starlight Walk, Birchwood Remembrance Service, Birchwood Carnival Committee.
“Warrington has lost a true community champion. May he rest in peace,” added Dave.
Barry Collins, Former Governor, Lions Clubs International and member of Birchwood Lions Club said :”Peter Ives was an unsung hero, a community champion who devoted much of his life to the service of others. He was a founder member and director of Leukaemia Care UK, a member of Birchwood Lions Club and patron and supporter of countless charitable organisations. If there was a need, Peter would be first in line to help out.His service to Lions Clubs International was outstanding. He served at local, national level and his influence covered many international causes.His accomplishments included setting up events to combat Prostrate Cancer, Diabetes, Blindness and Disability. He was the main organiser of the annual Birchwood Remembrance Service and also put his energies into developing projects for the young.
“A lovely man who was loved by many and who will be greatly missed.”
While the media is full of statistics relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, Peter is just one example of some of the wonderful people making up those statistics. If you have lost a loved one to COVID-19 and want to share memories and pay tribute email [email protected]