​Terminally Ill Man Attends His Own Wake

A terminally ill man has decided to attend his own wake - using it as a get-together with loved ones that he can benefit from while he's still alive.

David Hughes, 61, was diagnosed with prostate cancer last September, and doctors later discovered that a month later it had spread to his bones.

But the terminal cancer patient has chosen to use his fatal prognosis as a positive, hosting his very own wake while he is still alive so that he can catch up with others before it's too late.

When you think about it, it's absolute genius.

The dad-of-two from Queenborough in Kent has set himself a goal to see as many of his close friends and family before he passes away - asking: "Why have a get together when you're dead?"

David has arranged the gathering for this Saturday. Taking place at a working men's club, the do will come complete with a disco, retro music from the 70s and 80s and a 'Play Your Cards Right'-style game.

There will also be a buffet - always a good shout - and a raffle, with cash being raised to be donated to bone and prostate cancer research.

David said: "Life is about making memories and moving on, but it's also about all the people you know and have met along the way.

"It will be great to have a catch up with people I haven't seen for a long time."

David - who is dad to Emma and Lauren and has four grandchildren, Carys, Jayden, Sasha and Savannah - has been a captain of the Eastchurch cricket team andKlippons' cricket and football team. He has also been a member of a number of fishing clubs.

As a well-known member of the community, he's got high hopes for a strong turn-out.

Inviting people to join him at the unconventional wake, he said: "If you grew up in Noreen Avenue, Minster, in the 1960s and 1970s or were at Minster Primary, Sheerness Secondary School for boys, or Sheppey School with me, please come and join us for a fun-filled night.

"Or if you worked with me at Woods Bakery, Klippons, Queenborough Rolling Mill or Morrisons."

David's sister, Miriam Parker, added: "If you know David, come and celebrate his life and help him see faces from the past before he leaves us forever.

"He's such a hard-working, decent, nice chap. The best big brother I could wish for and always has been.

"Let's give him some happy memories to help him through this very tough time."

Topics: UK News, Inspirational, UK, Cancer

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

@Jess_Hardiman