The son of a man who passed away has honoured his father's final wish by raising funds for Oakhaven Hospice, where he received compassionate care in his final days.

Joe Nuth set himself a fundraising challenge in memory of his father, Garry Nuth, and last week delighted the staff of Oakhaven Hospice by delivering a cheque for £12,046.67.

As Garry passed away at the age of 72, Joe took on a 72-mile sporting challenge on 19th October, which included a 50-mile bike ride, a 10-mile row and a 10-mile run, finishing the day with a two-mile walk alongside Garry’s friends and family.

The following week, Joe and the family held a charity fundraising evening at Hayes Rugby Club in Garry’s honour.

The family said: “On the 23rd July, “the King of our family” sadly lost his battle with cancer. He was loved by all and was always so loving to friends and family. Those who knew him would know how kind and generous he was by always putting others first. One of our Dad's last wishes was to raise money for Oakhaven Hospice, so we promised him we would.”

Garry was a husband, father of three and grandfather of nine. For nearly 50 years, Garry worked as a baggage handler at Heathrow Airport. However, his family frequently visited the New Forest area on family holidays, and in retirement, he and his wife Sonia decided to move to New Milton to live in their "dream home.”

Joe’s brother, Adam Nuth, said: "The relief the Hospice gave to my Mum was incredible. The knowledge they had was remarkable; I always say they were nurses times ten! And so, my brother, Joe, completed this challenge to give thanks to them, I am incredibly proud of Joe.”

On their JustGiving page, the family said: “Our dad was compassionately looked after by the wonderful staff at Oakhaven Hospice in his final days. Oakhaven made our Dad and our family feel very welcome from the moment we arrived to the moment we all left. This kind of Hospice relies on generous donations to provide the much-needed support to patients and their families in their most difficult times. Half the staff we spoke to were volunteers and they are just there to help, which goes to show how much they care. The Hospice is always in need of new equipment to make those final days of life as comfortable as possible, and it would mean the world to us if we could pay our gratitude forward to the next family.”

For over thirty years, Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington has provided palliative care and support to patients at end of life, and their families. In addition to patient referrals, Oakhaven provides specialist support to everyone in the New Forest, Totton and Waterside communities who is navigating a life-limiting illness, caring for a loved one or coming to terms with a loss.

Oakhaven’s Community and Events Manager, Jill West, said: “Many, many thanks to Joe and all the Nuth family and friends who have raised this fantastic amount of money. Oakhaven provides its care free of charge, yet just 11% of its costs are covered by the NHS. For the remainder, it relies on the kindness of donations, fundraising, gifts in wills and income from its shops and social enterprise, Oakhaven Care Ltd. Your support will help our team to make every moment matter for patients and their loved ones.”