I have set up this fundraising page following the wonderful care from all those involved with Cancer treatment in Fortuneswell Outpatients and Fortuneswell Ward at Dorset County Hospital.

The following partly repeats some of my Facebook message.

It is with much sadness that after nearly 47 years of our marriage Linda passed away during the early hours of Friday 14th December. Over the previous 6 weeks she had 3 trips to A&E resulting in stays in Fortuneswell Ward in Dorchester.

Linda first got breast cancer in 2000 and recovered well but in 2012 this horrible disease struck her again. Her Oncologist told us at the time that he wouldn't be able to cure her but it was possible to manage it to keep it under control. Subsequent treatments proved successful in the 3 places it had been detected until about six months ago when blood tests revealed low Platelet and Haemoglobin Levels. After a few months of this, which included many blood transfusions, we discovered the cancer was in her bone marrow and had returned to the liver. Despite many transfusions during her last 6 weeks and being able to get out and about briefly, Linda was becoming poorly.

We are very fortunate with healthcare in this part of Dorset. The 999 call on Tuesday was speedily responded to. The paramedics were wonderful as were the ones the month before. The many visits over the years to A&E the staff were always superb. Likewise, everyone in Fortuneswell Ward and Fortuneswell Outpatients were equally amazing (not forgetting the staff in Hinton, Ilchester and Prince of Wales wards). I cannot thank everyone enough including our wonderful Oncologist, the doctors at the The Prince of Wales Surgery in Poundbury and anyone who has ever donated blood.

Linda was most remarkable throughout her illness. During her medication we spent time at festivals including Glastonbury, visited National Trust houses & gardens, managed trips to Australia, New Zealand, America and Rome. We also visited Northern Spain many times. During 2018 we had wonderful holidays in The Isles of Scilly, Cornwall and twice more in Spain.

A funeral service will take place at 3:00pm on Friday 18th January at St. Michael's Church in Owermoigne. Earlier during the day we will be holding a private family service and burial. For those attending please dress in whatever you feel comfortable and if possible wear something lilac or purple - Linda's most favourite colours. No flowers please but if you wish I would appreciate donations to Fortuneswell Cancer Trust for all the wonderful work the staff do in Dorchester.

Christmas Eve 2018 we would have been together for 49 years and there is now a huge gap in my life. I shall miss her so much.

Thank you to everyone who brought her happiness and support during this time and for all the lovely messages and cards.