Family’s fun day will help other patients

A mum has vowed to fulfil her brother’s last wish by raising money to help other cancer patients.

Hayley Pearce and other family members are organising a fun day in aid of the Celia Blakey Unit at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, after the team cared for her brother Gavyn Mills before he died in March, aged just 39.

The dad of four, who lived in Ashford, had been diagnosed with cancer in January and although it was inoperable and incurable, the team at the unit were always on hand to offer support.

Hayley, who also lives in Ashford and works in a pharmacy, said: “The whole team was amazing and they did everything they could to help Gavyn, and us.

“He tried one session of chemo but he wasn’t able to have any more, but the team at the Celia Blakey Unit were fantastic, even when he wasn’t having treatment with them.

“Anything we needed they would sort for us, and Gavyn was determined that we should raise money to help them help other people.”

Bus driver Gavyn initially went to the GP after suffering pains in his shoulder and his stomach. Blood tests revealed a potential problem and he then had an ultrasound scan, MRI scan and biopsy before being given his devastating diagnosis.

Hayley said: “He was scared because it all happened so fast – all the tests were done within a week.

“I told him whatever it was we would get through it together.

“He was so strong, and he picked out everything for his funeral and made sure we all knew what he wanted – including that he wanted to be able to help other people battling cancer.”

Hayley nursed her brother at home so he could be near his family, and he died peacefully in March - just five months after their father had died.

She is now channelling her grief into organising the fun day, which will take place on Saturday, 30 September, from 11am to 3pm at Stanhope village hall, TN23 5TG.

It will include stalls, games and refreshments, and a Stagecoach bus will also be there in honour of Gavyn. There will be face-painting, a raffle, tombola, and bouncy castle.

The family hope to raise enough to purchase a television for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment, as some have to spend hours in the unit. They also hope to fund other items to improve people’s experiences, from pillows and cushions to wheelchairs. The money will go to East Kent Hospitals Charity to be used to benefit the Celia Blakey Unit.