Since setting this page up, sad to say that Ian James passed away peacefully at the Prospect Hospice 16th August 2011.  Ian's fundraising campaign will continue in earnest at the wish of Ian himself.  Please read Ian's personal reasons for raising funds:

My name is Ian James and I was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in April 2010.  The Prospect Hospital have been wonderful to me and I want to give something back so other individuals affected by this disease can benefit from the wonderful care that the Hospice has afforded me.

I am currently at the Hospice and it is wonderful. My pain is being monitored and kept under control so I am comfortable. I am in a lovely room and the french doors are open with a lovely breeze blowing through on this wonderful sunny day. The lovely people at the Hospice make every day special for me, they even place a flower on my dinner tray, it is truly amazing.

I have played the piano since the age of 11 years.  I have also taught many to play this wonderful instrument, it has been such a pleasure. A few months ago, I decided that I should use my talent to make a CD compilation of my favorite songs. I wanted to give something back to the Hospice and this was one way of doing so. My CD can be found for sale at the Prospect Hospice and also at Holmes Music.  The CD costs just £5.00 and £4.00 of this will go directly to the Hospice.

Also, with the help of John and Alan Holmes of Holmes music, an event is being organised at the Blunsdon House Hotel which is also aimed at raising funds for the Prospect Hospice. The evening will be packed with entertainment and supper will be served. Tickets cost just £15.00 per person with the proceeds going to the Hospice. The Blunsdon House have offered the Garden Room for the evening which will seat around 100 people160 and it is my dearest wish that all tickets are sold. Perhaps your workplace would like to book a table for 10 and make an evening of it. I am hoping that I can be there and if I have the strength, then I will play a tune or two!

I hope that you will join me in raising the much needed funds for this wonderful concern. We all know someone who has had cancer and who has experienced time at the Hospice.  They truly are a wonderful bunch of people and one of the most valuable asset to Swindon.

If you are unable to come to this event, or to purchase a CD then it would be truly wonderful if you could donate even a small amount of money to this truly amazing charity.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED BY PHONE ON 01793 534095 USING YOUR CARD - UPDATE 150 TICKETS REMAINING - PLZ MAKE MY DREAM COME TRUE TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE PROSPECT HOSPICE - THANK YOU!