Ford haulier delivers tribute promise

Jennie Hill, 60, was promised by Mick Bleach, managing director of Bleach of Lavant, that he would put the plate previously on her car (AA58 JEN) onto a truck after she died.

She knew she was dying from leukaemia and insisted the number should be fixed on an Arctic truck similar to the one her husband Bob drives for the firm.

Mick said: “I saw Jen in St Wilfrid’s Hospice not long before she died. Bob was telling her how he had sold the car but had kept the plate and was going to put it on a new one for her when she was better.

“She told him she wouldn’t be getting better. That’s when I said I would put it on a truck for her.”

There is another touching detail at the rear of the truck – a picture of a pair of red high heels and matching handbag, something Jennie, who died late last year, had always wanted.

Last year Mick, 53, cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats in aid of St Wilfrides, at Chichester, and other charities. He raised more than £6,500.

“I told Jennie about the bike ride I was planning to do and it was her idea to do it in aid of St Wilfrid’s,” added Mick.

“The hospice was a great help to Jennie and her family during her illness and especially during her final days.”

Bob, who lives in Bognor, was the first person to drive the new 44-tonne truck after it was delivered to Bleach’s main site at Ford.

The lorry is used to make night-time deliveries by Bleach as a member of the Palletforce distribution network, and for some daytime work.