Man to be guest at his own wake (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Man to be guest at his own wake

3:21pm Thursday 15th February 2007 in Swindon By Gazette Reporter

A Swindon man has decided to host his own wake after finding out he has just months to live.

Andy Fitchett, 56, has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, which has spread to the lymph nodes in his neck, leaving him with just six months..

His wife died 10 years ago of liver failure and to make the arrangements as easy as possible for his two grown up daughters he has even paid for his funeral already and drawn up a guest list.

"I'm a lucky man and have had a lucky life," he said: "Many people don't get a chance to say goodbye to people when they die but I have."

The wake will be held at Swindon Town Football Club on March 17 and Mr Fitchett has been given until May to live.

He is selling tickets for the event and giving the money to charity. There will also be a disco and a charity auction before Mr Fitchett says a few words.