Express & Star

Trio walk Hadrian's Wall in memory of father

Three siblings have walked Hadrian's Wall in memory of their father, who died 10 years ago.

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(left-right) Daniel Kirwan, of Wolverhampton, Martyne Johnson, of Wolverhampton, and Keith Edwards, of Bushbury, walked Hadrian's Wall in memory of father Mack Kirwan

Publican Mack Kirwan died from cancer in 2008, aged 58.

He ran the Three Tuns in Stafford Road, Wolverhampton, The Golden Lion in Fallings Park and the ECC sports and social club.

His three children, Martyne Johnson, Daniel Kirwan and Keith Edwards, walked Hadrian's Wall in his memory.

Martyne, aged 34, said: "Walking Hadrian's Wall was something dad always wanted to do – he was keen on the history of Roman empire and he loved the outdoors.

"Unfortunately, cancer took him away too early.

"So walking the route 10 years after his death seemed a perfect tribute to do."

The trio walked 20 miles of the wall, finishing at Sycamore Gap.

They wore T-shirts with their father's picture and name on.

Mrs Johnson said: "We felt, despite his death, he was still with us as we walked the route. It was a special time."

She added: "He was a gentle giant, everyone loved him."

Mr Kirwan was born in Wolverhampton. He went to St Peter and Paul Junior School and then Northicote School.

After school he started his career as a mechanic before becoming a doorman at Eves nightclub in Showell Road in Wolverhampton.

He then turned his hand to be a publican, starting with the Three Tuns, and finishing at the ECC.

Mr Kirwan was also the father of murdered Tom Kirwan.