Loyal Stars Appeal supporter's 'dearest wish' to hit £500,000 target
88 year old Michael Beck has been diagnosed with incurable lung cancer
Over the last 17 years Michael Beck has been a familar figure with his trusty companion 'Wally the Wheelbarrow' or his collection bucket in the hospital entrance or at local shops.
The 88 year old has raised more than £425,000 helping support the breast cancer unit, neo-natal unit and fund parents accommodation as well as vital euqipment.
His dream is to hit that all important figure of half a million!
Sadly time is of the essence as Michael, from Fyfield Bavant, has been diagosed with incurable lung cancer.
Its the fourth time he's been diagnosed with cancer but Michael is remaining focused on his ambition;
"I've got to aim at something there's no point me sitting here and thinking why me!"
BATTLE WITH CORNAVIRUS
Last year Michael also also caught Covid, his doctors say they "very nearly lost him."
Whilst on the Covid ward at Salisbury District Hospital he was still focused on his Stars Appeal goal telling staff he was determined to reach £500,000.
Indeed less than 3 months after being discharged he was back out fundraising for the charity taking part in Walk for Wards.
DR HELPS WITH FINAL FUNDRAISING DRIVE
Moved by his 'awe-nspiring efforts' his Respiratory Consultant, Dr Anna Barton, has set up a Just Giving page for that crucial last push.
"Getting to know Michael I have learnt many amazing things about him. A Korean war veteran and lifelong dairy farmer, at 88 years old this isn’t Michael’s first brush with cancer. He has successfully seen off many others, breast, bladder, skin and prostate in fact. And he lost his beloved wife Ruby to ovarian cancer. "
All of this has had a big impact on Michael and has led to him to becoming a tireless fundraiser for our brilliant hospital charity. "
"I have seen the benefits of the charity in my work. In fact the Stars Appeal has recently bought some state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment for our department costing £170,000. Every day I see first-hand how this equipment is helping patients like Michael to be treated locally instead of travelling elsewhere."
"It is Michael’s dearest, and perhaps last, wish that he reaches his target of raising £500,000 for the Stars Appeal. Please donate, and help this incredible man I have had the pleasure of looking after, to hit his half-million pound target "
As for Michael, well there's no stopping him, he's planning to be back out with his bucket next week.
A special collection is also planned on the 25th of July in Sixpenny Handley on what would have been his wife Ruby's 90th birthday.