An avid football fan who is diagnosed with terminal cancer has seen over £9,000 raised to help the “supportive” hospice.

Martin Deacon, aged 53, has received great care from the Michael Sobell Hospice at Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, since his diagnosis with terminal gallbladder cancer in September 2020.

The QPR fan from Ruislip has received such extraordinary care, that his sons Sam and George and his wife Julie set up a fundraising campaign to raise money for the hospice.

The response since has been outstanding to the family, as Mr Deacon’s friends set up a charity golf game at Shendish Manor in Hemel Hempstead for further funds, and QPR donated a signed first team football shirt, while darts player Michael Van Gerwen also donated a signed shirt.

Daughter Katie Deacon said: “It can be quite daunting coming to visit your family member in a hospice when they are sick.

“I remember my first time visiting my Dad, I felt very anxious as I didn’t know what to expect.”

Ever since the diagnosis, Mr Deacon had to visit the inpatient unit a couple of days a week.

The daughter continued: “I had no need to worry. Michael Sobell Hospice is so homely, and the staff and volunteers are all so kind.

“Our Dad has a lovely room which overlooks the garden. The team are also very supportive to the families of the patients which I think is just as important when you’re going through such a hard time.”

Now over £9,200 has been raised at the time of publication which will go towards the hospice.

Meanwhile the future of Mount Vernon Hospital and its services remain in question as Watford General Hospital has been earmarked as a leading candidate to move the services to an acute hospital site.

But for now, the family are thankful that the fundraising campaign was a success to help the hospice.

Mr Deacon’s daughter continued: “On behalf of my Dad and all the family, I must say a big thank you to everyone who has donated to, and supported our fundraising campaign, and also to my Dad’s friends who have helped to organise our charity golf day at Shendish Manor taking place in a couple of weeks.”

To donate to the fundraiser, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/katie-deacon3