Inspirational hospital fundraiser Gavin English, who single-handedly raised more than £115,000 for cancer services at a Norfolk hospital has died aged 86.
The great grandad from Docking had dedicated himself to raising money for cancer services at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn in memory of his late wife Frances.
Mrs English passed away at the age of 77 in 2013. Her husband said treatment by the QEH helped to give her an extra 15 months of life.
"Her last wish was for me to raise money for the cancer care and treatment unit at the QEH, the place where she made so many friends who looked after her so wonderfully well," he said in 2022, after presenting a cheque for more than £12,000 to the hospital.
"The only way we could describe the place is somewhere where angels are dressed as doctors and nurses."
Retired council worker Mr English held 500 car boot sales, paying all fees and travel expenses from his own pocket and 300 collections at local supermarkets.
His efforts saw improvements for cancer patients including new chairs for The QEH chemotherapy room, a renovated waiting area in the Macmillan Unit and the refurbishment of the Peace and Hope Garden.
Hospital chief executive Alice Webster said: “Gavin was an inspiration to so many of us at The QEH. Despite his advancing years, his energy and dedication to fundraising for cancer support services, and keeping the memory of his wife Frances alive through this work, never faltered.
“To have single-handedly carried out 800 boot fairs and supermarket collections was incredible, with Gavin always ensuring that every penny of the £115,000 he raised was used to make a positive difference to so many people going through a very difficult time in their lives. His efforts were hugely appreciated, and his legacy here will live on in more planned improvements that he was working on with senior nursing colleagues. We will miss him.”
His funeral takes place at Mintlyn Crematorium, King’s Lynn on Monday, January 15. Donations can be made if desired at www.ajcoggles.co.uk by following the memorygiving link, or at the service.
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