Rock choir sing out to honour life and work of hospital fundraiser Gavin

Harmonious voices filled the air as mourners gathered for the funeral of a hospital charity fundraiser.On Monday, January 1, the funeral of Gavin English, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital charity fundraiser who single-handedly raised £115,000 for cancer care services at the hospital, was held at Mintlyn Crematorium.Lynn Rock Choir sang Ed Sheeran’s song ‘Perfect’ as more than 100 of Gavin’s friends and family assembled to pay their respects, following his death at the age of 86.

The great-grandad from Docking was an inspiration to many across West Norfolk and the charitable work he carried out – more than 800 car boot fairs and supermarket collections over 10 years – resulted in a wide range of improvements for cancer patients at The QEH.Gavin was wholly committed to fundraising and all in honour of his late wife Frances, who was treated at the hospital.When a member of the Rock Choir learned of Gavin’s dedication and was so moved by his story, the whole choir decided to support his work.

And when Gavin became unwell shortly before Christmas and couldn’t continue with his hectic schedule of fundraising at supermarkets, the choir stepped in to carry on his work.This close bond resulted in Gavin’s family inviting the Rock Choir to sing at his funeral.So far, the incredible singers have raised more than £600 in Gavin’s honour which has been deposited with the QEH Charity for the Cancer Care Treatment Fund. With more events in the pipeline that looks set to grow.Sally Rose, rock choir leader, said they knew that they needed to step up to support him.

She said: “Mr English was a lovely and an exceptional man.“He was selfless and full of empathy for those who were going through what he already had, but he was also driven by his understanding of how to bring a touch of sunshine into people’s lives, even in the darkest of times and if only for the briefest of moments.“Some of our Rock Choir members have been lucky enough to have come through their own cancer journeys.“So it was clear to us all, after speaking with him in November and hearing his hopes for the refurbishment of the unit’s corridors, that we wanted to help by fundraising for him and the Cancer Care Unit.“He was grateful for every donation and we are honoured to have known him and to have supported him on his fundraising journey.“Rock Choir hope to be able to continue our support and to fulfill a few of his commitments this coming year.”Alice Webster, the hospital’s CEO, who attended the funeral, said: “I would like to thank the wonderfully generous members of Lynn’s Rock Choir for all they have done to support Gavin and to continue with fundraising in his honour.“He was a man who inspired so many people and has made a tremendous difference to our patients, their families, friends, and, of course, our staff.“We are committed to carrying on the work that Gavin had planned for our centre with our senior nursing team. His legacy here will live on.”