Derek May and his sons wanted to do something different to remember his late wife, Elizabeth Ann, and to raise money for the Durrington hospice, which helped to care for her during her illness.

It was Derek's son, Alan, who came up with the idea of holding a gambling evening at his home in Derek Road, Lancing.

"He started off thinking of doing a bike ride to raise money because St Barnabas had been so good to her, particularly the nurse that came to the house," said Mr May, of Halewick Lane, Sompting.

"But then he decided to do this gambling evening and it just snowballed."

The evening was open only to family and friends but they still managed to raise a total of £4,175 for St Barnabas.

"We were so delighted with the day and the amazing support we received from all our friends, family and local businesses," said Mr May.

"It was a wonderful way to remember Ann whilst being able to give back to St Barnabas House some of the help they had provided us."

Elizabeth Ann died of cancer in January this year.

Although Mr May was her main carer throughout her illness, St Barnabas House helped with her care for the last few months of her life.

The evening held in her memory included a roulette table, tombola, raffle, charity auction and hog roast.

"Several people decided they would like to do something," said Mr May.

"We had a few football shirts donated to the auction, a taxi ride to Gatwick or Heathrow, a week in a holiday apartment and even the services of a plasterer."

Mr May and his family were joined at the cheque presentation ceremony by St Barnabas trustee Ian Hart and players from Brighton and Hove Albion.


-------------------------------------
Click here for more Lancing news.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: letters@worthingherald.co.uk