Restaurant owner plans fundraiser for hospice (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Restaurant owner plans fundraiser for hospice

10:10am Friday 10th August 2012 in News By Emma Dunn

Restaurant owner James Huynh is hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for the hospice which is caring for his seriously ill cousin.

Mr Huynh, who runs Oriental Aroma in Royal Wootton Bassett, has been raising funds for Prospect Hospice since 2007, but it was only when his cousin was sent there about four weeks ago that he realised at close hand the support the hospice provides.

Phar Ly, of Walcot, who was diagnosed with liver cancer three years ago, is currently in the hospice’s care and Mr Huynh is hoping people across the town will support his fundraiser for them on August 19.

“He had been in there for a few days when I held my last charity event, on July 5. While the event was going on I had a phone call saying the doctors had given him an hour to live. All the family had an hour to get there, we had to leave everything and go to the Prospect,” he said.

“I couldn’t even find it to start with, I just knew it was in Wroughton. I had been invited in the past as a business that raises funds for them but over the years I hadn’t had time to actually visit.

“It wasn’t until I went there that I realised what it was all about. A lot of the people who work there are volunteers and I didn’t realise how brilliant the service was. “He is happier and he is very well treated. It is giving him the energy and the will to fight.

“Every minute is a bonus for us to see him happy.”

Mr Huynh has raised nearly £17,000 for various charities since 2006, including £3,700 for Great Ormond Street earlier this year.

He also raised £503.90 for the Rowdeford School for children with learning difficulties at his event on July 5, which included an Elvis tribute act.

The event on August 19 will include a two-course meal and a five-piece live band.

“We don’t charge, all we ask is that people who come donate a minimum of £15. It all goes to Prospect Hospice,” said Mr Huynh.

Prospect Hospice cares for more than 1,800 patients each year.

They also cared for Mr Huynh’s grandmother a couple of years ago.

“If it wasn’t for them she wouldn’t have been granted her wish to die at home,” he said.

To attend the fundraiser call (01793) 854545 or for details visit www.orientalaroma.co.uk/index.html