Money has been raised in memory of a man with the “biggest heart” who opened up his home to vulnerable children for years following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
Alan ‘Barney’ Gardner, 54, tragically passed away on February 7 following a battle with oesophageal cancer.
Described by his partner Claire as “the bravest man I’ve ever known”, Barney, who lived in Meliden, Wales, was a long-term supporter of North Wales’ Chernobyl Lifeline charity and took in a child for a month each year following the Ukrainian nuclear disaster, North Wales Live writes.
More than £2,000 has been raised in memory of Barney, with donations to be split between the Chernobyl Lifeline charity, and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital’s cancer centre.
Barney leaves behind his wife Claire, son Callum, 19, and daughter Libby, 16.
Claire posted on social media to announce the tragic passing of her soulmate, writing: “Yesterday my brave warrior lost his battle to the evil cancer.
(Image: Gerrie Bayley)
“He was without doubt the bravest man I know and I was beyond the luckiest to call him mine. He was not only the best hubbie but the most amazing dad to Callum and Libby.
“He had the biggest heart and would do absolutely anything for anyone if he could.
“He was my true love, my soul mate and my best friend and I shall be eternally grateful for the years we had together although bitter that they were cut far too short.”
Claire urged others to appreciate the time they have with their loved ones, writing: “My only advice to everyone is cherish every moment, live every moment and don’t ever take anything or anyone for granted.”
In the ten days since it was launched, the fundraising page has raised more than £2,100 for the family’s chosen charities.
Barney had played an active role in North Wales’ Chernobyl Lifeline charity for many years.
As well as housing Chernobyl children for a month each year, he also visited families at the Ukranian power plant, which wife Claire said had a “dramatic impact” on him.
(Image: Gerrie Bayley)
Claire said Barney would be “devastated” to witness the “tragedy” happening in Ukraine at the moment.
Chernobyl charity organiser Gerrie Bayley also shared her memories of Barney, writing: “Sometimes in life we are really lucky and some one special crosses our pathway.
“As a Link we were fortunate to find just such a person in Alan (Barney) Gardner, his sense of fun saw us through many a demanding situation, the down to earth attitude that he had made both adults and children alike feel at ease around him.
“As a family, Claire, Barney, Libby and Callum hosted Chernobyl children for many years.
“It was home from home for them, with Barney’s sense of fun it didn’t take long to melt the children’s hearts and they were soon part of the family.”
Gerrie said Barney would be remembered for his “kindness” and always being “so full of life.”
After being diagnosed with oesophogeal cancer, Barney spent a number of weeks as an in-patient at the North Wales Cancer Centre based in Glan Clwyd Hospital.
Claire says she is “eternally grateful” that she was allowed to stay with Barney on the Enfys Ward, and hopes donations will go towards purchasing some new chairs so that both patients and relatives can benefit.
You can donate to the fundraising page HERE.
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