CLOSE family and friends of Droitiwich’s MND warrior – John Adams – gathered in the town today (Tuesday, March 26) to pay their respects and celebrate his inspirational life.
A one hour service was led by Saltway minister, Reverend Laura Handy, who welcomed a sea of West Bromwich Albion shirts and orange ties into St Augustine Church.
John Adams, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2017 and has raised over £30,000 and counting for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, arrived at the church with flowers spelling out the words, Sir John – as we was lovingly known.
John’s casket was carried into the church as The Long and Winding Road by The Beatles played on the church speakers – one of ‘Sir John’s’ favourite bands.
The service was broadcast on speakers outside the church while others tuned in to watch online. John’s family encouraged attendees to sport their West Brom shirts and orange clothing in a nod to his favourite football team and the colours of Motor Neurone Disease Association.
George Crump and Son Funeral Directors fittingly wore orange ties for the service.
Family tributes
John’s son, Paul, led a heartfelt and emotional eulogy to his dad following the hymn, ‘Morning has Broken’ which John’s daughter Helen would often sing to him.
Paul said: “I want today to be a celebration, dad was an amazing man. He was a granddad, an uncle, he was Johno, he was even Ringo in the early years when he had a moustache.
“He didn’t shy away from it (MND), he vowed he was going to push to raise awareness and raise as much as possible for charity.”
John survived almost seven years with MND, despite being given between 12 and 18 months to live.
Paul went on to speak lovingly of his father who adored his family, the countryside, gardening in his allotment, enjoying Sunday Roasts and of course football. Paul explained John’s happiest times at work were as a postman, where Paul and his siblings would join their dad on post runs.
John played and managed at local football teams for many years, having most success with Wychbold – winning various tournaments and trophies. Paul and his dad even went on to play together for Droitwich St Peter’s.
Paul thanked all of the people who cared for John following his MND diagnosis, including MND Association and St Richard’s Hospice, who looked after John in his final months.
“The care has been phenomenal. He was at peace when he passed away,” added Paul.
Closing out the tributes was John’s granddaughter, Lucy, who read a moving poem she had written.
Lucy said: “With his sparkly eyes, and his naughty smile
“The quickest whit and wicked sense of style.”
“But he wasn’t so daft, he was quite smart
“Despite being the biggest kid at heart,” she continued.
Tributes were followed by The Lord’s Prayer and the hymn, The Lord’s my Shepherd.
George Ezra’s record, Shotgun, played as the celebratory service drew to a close. The record became one of John’s favourites after he heard it alongside his family on holiday in Mallorca, Spain.
This trip was one of six ‘last holiday’s’ John would go on whilst living with MND.
John’s family are still fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease Research. “We want to keep that legacy going and raise as much as possible,” Paul added.
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/john-adams44 to donate.
Visit www.droitwichstandard.co.uk to read many stories involving John’s fundraising campaigns.
A poem for John
Our Grandad Johno, will forever be carried in our hearts
That’s his legacy
With his sparkly eyes, and his naughty smile
The quickest whit and wicked sense of style
But he wasn’t so daft, he was quite smart
Despite being the biggest kid at heart
The memories come, fast and strong
Of a granddad who would take us along, on the rounds in his royal mail van
To his allotment, where he’d always plan
To dig up those carrots for Sunday roast, during which we’d recall he’d always boast
With his familiar smile and his eyes aglow
‘That was growing in the ground an hour ago’
Nanny Patty was his childhood sweetheart
But there were others, football for a start
Saturday morning at Droitwich you’d see, him coaching the boys for a pint or three
He loved to club, he took us there too
While Nanny cooked dinner, ‘eww’ Rabbit stew
It was on Saturday’s we learnt from the best
Our granddad, who never seemed to get stressed
We’d bet on horses with the best of names, then we’d play Newmarket and other games
Camping in the garden or building dens, he’d join the antics like one of our friends
With magic and joy and the gentlest touch
Nothing we asked for was ever too much
A shy performer, well that was a lie
Dressing up, singing, we’d laugh till we cried
There’s nothing I’d change even if i could because you were the magic through all our children
You made me feel special, but not just me
I share it with Luke, Josh, Beth, Trent and Emily
Nanny Patty our special butterfly awaits you now as we bid you goodbye
We love you Ada
