Widower reached out for new friends after losing his wife - the response was 'overwhelming'

Patrick has now been contacted by more than 100 people offering him support

Patrick with his wife Kimberley (Image: Patrick Wright)

Patrick Wright was distraught when wife Kimberley died unexpectedly of ovarian cancer last month. After posting a message to Facebook to reach out, the kind response from people in his local community will affirm your faith in humanity.

Widower Patrick told the Manchester Evening News he was “overwhelmed” by the heartfelt response of his community.

Kimberley had spent eleven months with ovarian cancer and two rounds of chemotherapy treatment but never realised the illness was terminal.

"Not until the last two weeks did we ever think it would endanger her life. The doctors were surprised about how it had developed," Patrick said.

The mum-of-two passed away on June 20 aged 50 at The Christie hospital in Withington, Manchester after the ovarian cancer had spread to her bowel.

Patrick, 37, reached out to people from Chorlton-cum-Hardy in the suburbs of Manchester posting a message on Facebook.

"My wife has just sadly passed away rather tragically and I’m suddenly feeling very isolated in Chorlton," Patrick wrote.

"I'm 37, work as a university lecturer, into the arts and literature. Anyone interested in social meet ups, friendship, or can recommend local groups? I really want to know more people in the area."

In just minutes, Patrick received kind messages offering him assistance in this difficult time for him and his family.

He has now been contacted by more than 100 people offering him support.

"I never expected this," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"I’m a stranger to them so it’s amazing that they would want to help. I’ve been really surprised at how willing people are to reach out."

Kimberley’s illness came as a shock while the family were on holiday in the Lake District.

"We were at Windermere having the time of our lives and we had so much joy and happiness - we had never been happier," Patrick said.

"On the final day Kimberley collapsed in agonising pain and was taken to hospital. The doctors said there was a large pelvic mass the size of a fist."

"She was very optimistic when she talked about the future and didn’t show any fear. She was very resilient and believed the cancer would be manageable and something she could live with."

Patrick said: “She was a remarkable person - inspirational and fearless."

"I have been through the worst possible torment anyone can endure. I’ve had moments of intense agony because I’m still so in love with her.

"But she said she wanted me to see it as a wonderful journey and opportunity that I can embrace and said it will deepen my appreciation of life. She wanted me to be happy."