Close to £3,500 was handed over to Maidstone Hospital this morning in honour of a much loved father of two who died suddenly in November last year.

Richard Vidgen had no idea he had stomach cancer when he was admitted to Maidstone Hospital with stomach pains and a week later he sadly passed away.

Loving sons Martyn, 29, and Anthony, 27, then took it upon themselves to raise money for the John Day ward which cared for their father, along with support from family and friends.

Philip Roe, Mr Vidgen’s best friend, said: “Richard would have been speechless. He would be really proud and the money raised has taken everyone by surprise.”

The funds will be used to provide a plaque in honour of the late Mr Vidgen and also for new TV screens at the ward.