Grandmother who inspired Ice Bucket Challenge passes away months later

A grandmother has died within months of inspiring an ice bucket challenge to raise awareness of motor neurone disease.

The family of Patricia Greg have paid tribute to the much loved mum, stepmum, sister and neighbour.

She had been battling the effects of MND, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, for four years before passing away in hospital on October 8.

The 78-year-old, who also suffered with frontotemporal dementia, is originally from Brentwood in Essex, but had been living in Teesside since her only son, Dave, now 50, was 10 years old.

Unable to walk or talk - and communicating through a thumbs up or down - Patricia was cared for by her partner of 32 years John.

The Gazette reported in August how Patricia had inspired neighbour Katrina Rollinson, 43, to do the ice bucket challenge.

The charity challenge - a big hit on social media over the summer - sees a bucket of icy water poured over the individual before a further nomination is made.

Lorraine Irish, Patricia’s daughter-in-law said: “Pat was always a bright person who thrived on family life.

"Pat and John have been fantastic grandparents.

“Pat loved talking so the worst part of the disease for her was when she lost her voice.”

Dave and Lorraine’s son, Josh, 22, who recently qualified as a process engineer, said: “Nana was always the life of the party.

"She was always happy and never complained. She was still laughing only a few days before she died.”

Patricia, who has also left behind her sister, Jackie, enjoyed travelling with John, going on numerous road trips to America and visits to Whitby.

Another of her main hobbies was gardening.

Katrina Rollinson, left, took the Ice Bucket Challange

Right up until the near end, Patricia also enjoyed going out shopping with Lorraine.

Lorraine, who is also mum to Natasha, 15 said: “To see what Pat was to what she has become is destroying.

"You think it’s never going to happen and then you think you are going to be prepared because it has been that long since the diagnosis.

"It’s devastating. It leaves a hole in your heart.

“We’d like to thank all of the staff and nurses on ward 40 at the University Hospital of North Tees for the care and attention they gave to Pat and the family. They were really supportive.”

Katrina Rollinson, left, of Maria Drive Stockton took the Ice Bucket Challang

service will be held for Patricia on Friday at the Teesside Crematorium in Acklam, Middlesbrough, at 10.45am.

Everyone is welcome to attend and the family ask that bright colours are worn for the service to reflect Patricia’s bright personality.

The service will then be followed by a gathering at Elm Tree Social Club, on Bishopton Road West in Stockton.

Donations will be welcomed at the service which will then be given to the Teesside branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.