A SPONSORED WALK is set to be held in memory of a ‘lovely’ and ‘hard-working’ Denbighshire businessman who died last month.

John Hall, who ran the popular Brookhouse Mill in Denbigh along with wife Karen, died on Friday March 26.

He passed away peacefully aged 61 at St Kentigern’s Hospice, St Asaph, leaving behind his wife, his children; Jacob, Georgia, Josh and Emily, grandsons Spencer and George, brother Colin and sister Margaret.

In his memory and in aid of St Kentigern, Alaw Broster will be taking on a sponsored walk alongside mum Julie.

On Saturday, May 15, the pair will walk along the North Wales coastal path from Llandudno to Prestatyn - a distance of 21 miles.

Speaking on the fundraiser page she set up to collect money, Alaw said: “Anyone who knows me will tell you that this is unheard of for me, as usually I can barely walk to town without considering ringing someone for a lift.

“At 20 years of age, I have so many fond and happy memories of John and Brookhouse, having had my dad work there as head chef. In my teens, every time I visited Brookhouse, John would try and get me to come and work there but I always refused, probably because, as a shy teenager the thought of actually having to talk to members of the public filled me with dread.

“What I now appreciate is that I should have taken John up on his numerous offers. In his 40 years at the Mill John has given hundreds of young people the most incredible start to their working lives, creating strong work ethics, a great team mentality and, of course, created many bonds of lifelong friendship.

“I am sorry now that I never took the chance to work for John, unlike both my parents and my brother - though, ironically, I now actually work in hospitality). So, I would like to do something for John, which is why I have decided to do this sponsorship in his memory. This is for you John. I promise to work hard.”

When Brookhouse Mill posted a statement confirming Mr Hall’s death on Saturday, March 27, an endless stream of kind words in tribute to him were subsequently posted beneath it.

Among some of the words of tribute used to describe him on the post were; ‘lovely’, ‘hard-working’ and ‘a Denbigh legend’.

A private service was held for Mr Hall at St Asaph Crematorium at midday last Friday. The funeral cortege passed Brookhouse Mill for 11.30am.

A statement from his family read: “The family would like to thank you all for your condolences, flower and messages.

“The huge outpouring of love and respect for John has really helped us at this devastating time. We hope to celebrate John’s life properly once restrictions ease.”

To donate to Alaw’s cause, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-john-hall-brookhouse-mill