Eccleshill widower raises money to thank nurses for their care of his wife (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bereaved husband Robert Blamires to hold bucket collection at Valley Parade

8:50am Wednesday 11th January 2012 in Eccleshill By Claire Lomax

A bereaved husband is hoping a bucket collection at Valley Parade will help him reach a £3,200 fundraising target for Bradford’s Marie Curie Hospice.

Robert Blamires, 32, of Eccleshill, will be joined by about 25 family and friends to persuade fans to part with their cash when Bradford City play Burton Albion on Saturday, January 21.

Mr Blamires and his friends will be collecting from 12.30pm.

He said: “We will be collecting right up to kick-off and again at half-time. I am hoping this collection will bring me closer to my target, with every penny going to the local Marie Curie Hospice.”

Mr Blamires is also taking part in a Grand Canyon Trek in aid of Marie Curie in November to show his gratitude to staff at the hospice who cared for his wife in her final days.

Lisa Blamires was only 26 when she died in April last year. The couple were just approaching their third wedding anniversary.

Mr Blamires, who works as a software developer, said his wife started having problems with her vision and dizziness in May 2010. She went to see her GP, who ordered hospital tests.

After an MRI scan at Bradford Royal Infirmary, she was sent to St James's Hospital in Leeds, where she was given the devastating news she had a brain stem glioma, a type of tumour. It was impossible to operate, and the only option was a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“We were told that the outcome was bleak and the treatment would only hold it at bay for a while,” said Mr Blamires.

“During the course of her treatment, Lisa’s symptoms became much worse. She ended up being wheelchair-bound, she had problems swallowing, concentrating and breathing.

“Lisa had always expressed a wish to remain at her mum’s house, instead of going into hospital or a hospice, and down to a combination of Hospice At Home staff, Macmillan nurses, district nurses and Marie Curie nurses, this was made possible for her.”

To sponsor Mr Blamires visit justgiving.com/rob-Blamires and to find out more about the Grand Canyon trek call Helen Rowlands on (01274) 337034 or e-mail Helen.rowlands@mariecurie.org.uk.