FUNDRAISERS have raised more than £4,000 in memory of a Romsey man who died of cancer.

John Whittaker died at Mountbatten Hospice on April 1 after a year-long battle and his niece Laura-Ann Edwards organised the charity event on Sunday May 29.

A cheque for £4,140.16p was handed over to the hospice from the event at North Baddesley Social Club.

Laura-Ann said: "The funds were handed over today and the hospice said we are their biggest fundraiser this year so far and they were truly shocked and overwhelmed over the amount we raised for them.

"The fundraiser was such a lovely happy day full of friends and family that all come together for an amazing cause. We had a BBQ, bouncy castle, face painting, raffle with over 65 prizes, tombola, cake stand, kids games also a live band."

Hampshire Chronicle: Laura-Ann Edwards with Jimmy, John's brother

The event was organised by Laura-Ann and her friend Shelley in just three weeks. "We would just like to thank everyone who helped and for everyone’s donations. Uncle John would have been so proud of what was achieved on the fundraiser."

READ MORE: Hollywood stars Scarlett Johansson and Sienna Miller pictured shooting film scenes in tiny Hampshire village

Mountbatten Hospice has provided the family with T-shirts and decorations to wear on the day.

She added that it may become and annual event.

Hampshire Chronicle: The fun day

John, 52, or ‘Booby’ as he was known to friends, spent his last month at Mountbatten Hospice in Botley Road after learning there was nothing else doctors could do to treat the illness.

John, a popular figure among the Romsey community and gardener by trade, was only meant to be at the hospice for a week but ended up staying for a month after his health rapidly declined.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.