RELATIVES of a long-term leukaemia sufferer are raising money to thank those who cared for him.
John Smith, 50, a popular electric guitar teacher who worked at many local schools, lost his 10-year battle against lymphatic leukaemia in April.
Now his wife Marie, 47, of Lismore Road, Highworth, and sister-in-law Lorraine Jack, 48, of Milland Close, Abbey Meads, hope to raise funds for the Dove Unit at the Great Western Hospital with an auction.
So far, one of the top items is a signed Cristiano Ronaldo football shirt.
Marie said: “The Dove Unit’s ultimate aim was to give John quality of life wherever he wanted to be.”
She added: “It was a very caring environment and nobody felt they were intruding because we were always made very welcome.
“It was the next best thing to being at home – everybody knew him and he liked all the nurses and doctors.”
Lorraine said the fundraiser was a fitting tribute to her brother-in-law, who always managed to remain positive throughout his illness.
“There was no way it was going to affect the things he wanted to do,” she said.
“He just wanted to carry on – it wasn’t what he was about.”
John’s condition was found by chance from a blood test carried out to try to cure his snoring. Sadly, his health was never good enough for him to have a bone marrow transplant.
“He always thought he was going to have the treatment and go back to work, but it just didn’t happen unfortunately,” said Lorraine.
For the last two years of his life, John was in and out of the Dove Unit.
The idea for the auction came when Marie was given a voucher by John’s friend for a VIP fishing trip at his funeral, but did not know what to do with it.
“We thought the Dove Unit was where John spent a lot of his time and he said if we raised money that was where he would like it to go,” said Lorraine.
They hope to raise money for items such as beds to allow relatives to stay overnight.
Other prizes in the auction include a glider flight and guitar lessons. They also plant to sell off some of John’s music and musical equipment.
It will be at St Michael’s Hall, Highworth, on September 6, from 4pm.
Everyone is welcome to attend or donate an item. For details, call Lorraine on 01793 700442.
P.S:shia nemnog abiasniu