Keech Hospice mourns the death of fearless fundraiser Tony Jules

Tony Jules, 63, from Sundon Park, fundraised more than £40,000 to cover the cost of a nurse at the hospice for a year.

The idea came after Tony was taken back by the care he received at Keech, which he said changed his perception of hospices overnight.

He died on Sunday morning, surrounded by his loved ones.

In a statement Tony’s wife Denise said: “It’s obviously a very sad time for me and Tony’s sons Taj and Jonathan.

“We, his mother, Veronica, and all of our friends and family will miss Tony greatly.

“But it’s also a time to celebrate Tony and all he achieved throughout his life.”

Calling nurses at Keech ‘angels’, Tony recorded a charity album from his bed and inspired people from across the town to dig deep for his campaign.

It also attracted attention from across the globe and donations from Ghana, Brazil and the US helped the 63-year-old reach his goal.

On January 26 Tony came face to face with Lisa Jarman, the ‘angel’ he helped employ.

Denise, 60, added: “Tony was so grateful for all the kind and generous public support he received throughout his fundraising venture for his angel, and at times, overwhelmed by how total strangers took his story to their hearts.

“For Tony to have met, and even been cared for by his own angel in his final few days, was very special to him.

“My heartfelt thanks go to every one of you and to all the nurses and staff at Keech for their fantastic care and support throughout Tony’s final journey.”

Liz Searle, CEO at Keech Hospice Care, added: “We have the privilege of caring for people at a most critical time in their lives

“We therefore witness the true courage and strength of the human mind and sprit.

“Tony Jules was a wonderful example of such courage.

“Tony chose to use his final weeks to raise awareness of Keech Hospice Care and to help us to raise much needed funds.

“Tony and his work will always be remembered by us here at Keech.

“Our thoughts are with his wonderful family who we came to know so well.”