Star pops in to show he cares (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Star pops in to show he cares

Justin at Swindon gig on SaturdaySWINDON born pop legend Justin Hayward finished what he helped start 14 years ago when he turned up for a special service at Great Western Hospital.

Back in 1991 his old friend Lesley Drewett had set up the Sunbeam Appeal in memory of her husband Gerry, who had died from cancer at the age of 47 earlier in the year.

She asked the Moody Blues singer to give a charity gig in Swindon to raise money for the appeal.

His gig at the Holiday Inn was a huge success and the campaign eventually raised £25,000.

Equipment on the Honey and Sunbeam germ-free rooms on the Saturn ward at the Great Western Hospital has been provided from the appeal's funds and the hospital's Day Therapy Centre has also benefited from the fundraising.

On Saturday, before Justin's appearance at The Apartment in Havelock Street, he attended a memorial service at GWH for Gerry and for Debbie Weston, the 19-year-old daughter of Pat and Eric Weston, who have also been prolific fundraisers.

The service was conducted by hospital chaplain, the Rev Steve Henderson.

Gerry and Debbie were treated in next-door beds all those years ago. Lesley, 58, from Bishopstone, who has two children and seven grandchildren, said: "It was super, but quite emotional for all of us.

"We're all very proud of what we achieved together."

She said the money had been raised as a team effort, by her family, the Westons and all their friends.

She said: "my husband would be very pleased that everything had been put in place.

"He'd be very proud that through his death we'd been able to help provide equipment that was not always available because of lack of funds."

Natalie Prinsloo, fundraising co-ordinator at Great Western Hospital, said: "It was an honour to meet the Weston and Drewett families at such a special occasion.

"It was also an opportunity to show the families some of the departments and equipment in the hospital that have benefited from their generous donation.

"We are grateful for the difference this has made to caring for our patients."

David Andrew