On Friday 29 November the costs to give one full day of Day Care at Willow Burn have been donated in loving memory of Robert (Bob) Joseph Harrison and Matthew (Matty) Million.
"Robert Joseph Harrison was born in White-le-Head on 5th May 1932. His parents were Thomas Harrison and Mary Jane Harrison (nee Houghton). Robert was the oldest of their three children; after a couple of years, their daughter Lillian arrived and a few years after another daughter, Shirley arrived.
The three siblings grew up in Flint Hill where they went to school. Robert loved his first school, but sadly disliked his middle school. He would often be found playing truant on the fells surrounding Mountsett, waiting for his class to end for the day.
He later said that he would like to be interred at Mountsett, with his wife Jean, as it had so many memories for him.
Sadly, Robert died this year in hospital from a short illness on 27 July 2024. The date we were given for the funeral was 15 August 2024. This would have been the birthday of his dear brother-in-law, Matty, who sadly passed away on 3 December 2021. At the end of his life Matty was looked after by the marvellous and dedicated staff of Willow Burn. Following Robert’s service at Mountsett Crematorium there was a collection for Willow Burn Hospice in Matty’s memory which raised £500.
Matthew Million was born on 15th August 1931 and lived at the Grove with his family. Matty was from a large family and had five brothers and one sister. He enjoyed life as a youngster and when he was 3 years old the family moved to the Crescent in Consett. Matty resided here with his siblings, Donald, Hector, Jimmy, Albert, Mary and Billy. He followed his Uncle Eric into the slag reduction section of Consett Iron Company where he spent many years working as a plater.
Robert’s family relocated to Consett where he lived and later took work at Consett Iron Company. Like all young men Robert liked to visit the boys’ club in Consett which was situated above the Free Masons Arms. There, he liked to have a few beers and a game of pool. He met Matthew Million there and they soon became close friends.
He would meet Matty often, but one Saturday, Robert had a few too many drinks. Matty, being the good friend and gentleman that he was, decided to walk with Robert back to his house to ensure his safety. On arriving he met Robert’s mother who made them both a fried egg sandwich to try and sober Robert up. Also in the house at the time was Robert’s youngest sister, Shirley.
Matty soon began talking to Shirley with a little spark in his eye. He asked her if she would like to go out with him. She said that unfortunately she was already going to the dance that evening. Matty wasn’t put off and said that he would wait a while until it was time for her to go and walk her to the dance. He carried her bag, with her dance shoes in, and saw her safely there. Matty and Shirley were soon dating and married on 25 July 1959 at the Church of England in Consett.
Matty and Bob became brothers-in-law.
Robert met Jean (1935-2013) at a dance in Consett and they married on 15 October 1960. Robert and Jean had two daughters – Jayne (1961-2020) and Julie, whilst Matty and Shirley had a son, David and a daughter, Kay. The two families became close and often spent New Year Eve’s together as young families. Robert and Jean did not have any grandchildren, but Shirley and Matty were wonderful grandparents to Luke and Abbey.
We all believe that Willow Burn Hospice is a remarkable place ensuring the very best of care for cancer patients and we are absolutely delighted to have donated this money to your trust.
All our love from:
Shirley, Kay and Julie"
