Tributes to incredible Prestatyn fundraiser who was inspired to raise thousands for Motor Neurone Disease after husband battled condition

Ann Williams, of Prestatyn, died at Glan Clwyd Hospital on June 24 following a stroke. Her daughters Andrea Williams and Kate Cooper were by her side. The devoted fundraiser who “lived life to the full” was the eldest of six children. She had two grandchildren Holly and Millie.

She initially lived at Dawson Drive in Prestatyn but moved to Meliden before returning to Prestatyn.

Ann used to work at Prestatyn Police Station where she was a short hand typist for the Uniformed Branch. She then worked at Prestatyn High School as a resources technician until she retired.

Ann married her husband Derek on July 3, 1964, at the Parish Church; the couple had met at a dance at the Lido.

Derek was diagnosed with the Motor Neurone Disease in November 2013 at the age of 79. He died a year later.

Ann, along with her daughters, became involved with the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND) and the family put all their energies into fundraising. All money raised went to the North East Wales Branch.

Ann Williams and Derek

Daughter Andrea said: “When my dad was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, Mum along with myself and Kate started fund raising for MND - I'm the treasurer, Kate is the secretary and my brother in-law, Neil is the web site administrator.

“Over the years mum has been involved in a lot of fundraising for charity.

“About 10 years ago she started, ironically, for the Stroke Association where both mum and dad volunteered. Mum did a lot for British Heart Foundation and was one of the founding members of the Prestatyn branch. She was the secretary of the Prestatyn branch organising fundraising events.

"For MND, nearly £20,000 was raised in about five years. She also volunteered for Marie Curie as they were a vital support when my dad was ill."

Andrea said the death of her dad spurred her mum on to raise money.

“She organised a concert at the Parish Church with a male voice choice, choir and solo singer, bucket collections, afternoon teas at home," she said. 

"This also spurred her son-in law to run for the first time - from a 10k to a half marathons and I did a 50-mile cycle ride."

Ann enjoyed dancing - a passion that led to her meeting Derek.

“They were beautiful and graceful dancers and could often be found on the dance floor by themselves,” Andrea said.

“When we were growing up, mum and dad would often dance round the kitchen table and when my dad had gone off to work, mum would carry on jiving using the door handle as support."

When Derek died, dancing kept Ann going.

Andrea added: “She ended up dancing three times a week. She also loved cycling but only in the Summer and only if she had a matching, accessorised outfit.”

Ann was a member of the Art Appreciation society and tried her hand at table tennis. She was an active member of the church and loved meeting friends for coffee and babysitting for her two grandchildren.

Prestatyn sisters Andrea Williams and Kate Cooper, respectively treasurer and secretary of the Clwyd branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, met with HRH Anne, Princess Royal

Andrea said: "Mum was outgoing, friendly, caring and chatty. She lived life to the full and was always busy. We had to make appointments to see her!

"Mum will be missed by all her family and friends."

In 2018, Ann - who was rescued by a good samaritan - was reunited with her 'white knight of the road'.

Following a story in the Journal, GMC Concrete employee David Evans came forward to meet Ann where he was gifted a bottle of whisky in gratitude.

David was the mystery man who came to the aid of Ann when she was stranded on Rhyl Coast Road for more than an hour, after damaging the front offside wheel and unable to find her spare wheel and insurer's details.

Ann's funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 10 at Prestatyn Parish Church at 12.45pm. This will be followed by a service at St Asaph Crematorium and then on to St Melyd Golf club.