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Minster resident David Hughes too ill for mock wake

A father-of-two with a zest for life could not make the living wake he’d organised after he took a turn for the worse.

David Hughes, who has terminal cancer, organised his wake so that he could see as many of his friends and family, past and present, as possible while he was still alive.

The party was held at the Minster Working Men’s Club Hall in Sheppey, but the 61-year-old collapsed shortly beforehand.

More than 150 people turned out for David Hughes' living wake on Saturday, April 28
More than 150 people turned out for David Hughes' living wake on Saturday, April 28

Mr Hughes’ sister Miriam Parker, who lives in Minster, said: “We were getting ready to go to his living wake and he collapsed and was rushed to Medway hospital.

“He was told the cancer had spread to his liver, kidneys and other organs and he’s been sent home on palliative care.”

She added: “It was David’s wish that the party went ahead and he wants people to be aware of how awful this disease is.”

More than 150 people turned out for the Queenborough resident and about £600 was raised on the night for Cancer Research.

David Hughes organised his own living wake
David Hughes organised his own living wake

Mrs Parker said: “It went extremely well.

“People said they had met people they had gone to school with and worked with years ago and that it was David who had bought them all together and given them a fantastic night.”

She added: “We’d like to say thanks to Christine Logue, who put up the £50 prize money for the Play Your Cards Right game, to all those who came and gave donations, to Jim who provided the disco, the Big Fish Band who performed, and Ray and Caroline at Minster Club who gave the hall free of charge.

“It was so lovely to have been able to celebrate his life, although it was such a shame he couldn’t be there.

“He’s going through a very tough time but he’s in good spirits. We can’t thank people enough for their love and support.”

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