Ex-pool club owner donates body to medical research

9:32am Friday 4th July 2008

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A man who owned a Keighley snooker and pool club has died following a long struggle with cancer.

And in accordance with his wishes, his body has been donated for medical research.

Harold Pilkington, of Glen Lee Lane, Keighley, died aged 65 in Bradford Royal Infirmary. He had been suffering from throat cancer for six years.

He had run Pilky's Sports Club, in Heber Street, Keighley.

Instead of a funeral a celebration of his life was being held today.

Mr Pilkington was born in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, but moved to Clitheroe when he was 10. He met his future wife, Ann, in Skipton in 1962 and came to live in Keighley in 1985.

That same year, in partnership with his wife and one of his sons, he opened the snooker and pool club in a former mill building. It was initially called the Imperial, though this name was later changed to Pilky's.

The club is still there but is now under new management and is called VQ's.

Mr Pilkington took up writing in 1999 and completed several creative writing courses at Keighley College.

Last year he had a book published, which tackled subjects such as the meaning of life and what happens to people after they die.

Mrs Pilkington said: "When he was younger his main hobby was fishing but he really enjoyed snooker later. He was a good player. He used to like helping the young lads play and would take them along to competitions."

Referring to his wish to donate his body to medical science, she said he reached this decision when he was diagnosed as being terminally ill.

"He didn't want a funeral - I think he wanted to do something which would help other people," she said.

She said she understood bodies donated for research could be kept for up to two years.

She added her husband remained very active until shortly before his death.

As well as his wife, Mr Pilkington leaves behind two sons - Mark and Glen - a daughter, Julie, and three grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held at VQ's club today from 4pm. This will include a collection in aid of Cancer Research.