A MAN with incurable cancer was surprised to find a brass band and more than 200 people singing on his front lawn after his wife put out an appeal to make his last Christmas special.
More than 200 members of the community rallied to show their support for Dave and Theresa Hunt, from pensioners to little children they gathered outside the couple’s home in Church Road, Frampton Cotterell to sing carols and pop songs.
Mrs Hunt said they were touched by the outpouring of kindness which also saw the scouts and Staple Hill Salvation Army Band making music, sharing mince pies, and decorating the garden.
“This will be Dave’s last Christmas and we didn’t want it to be miserable so we thought we’d just go for it,” she said.
“It was pouring with rain but we went outside with our umbrellas and Dave managed to stand up all the time. It was wonderful to see the Salvation Army band and so many people.”
Mr Hunt, a former builder with ER Hemmings, was diagnosed with cancer in his lung four years ago. Last year it spread to his other lung. About five weeks ago the couple were told it had spread to his stomach.
“We were told they couldn’t do any more,” Mrs Hunt said. “It’s horrible to hear that at the best of times but right at Christmas has been hard. Things have been really tough but this has cheered us up a bit. We can look back on this bit of Christmas and say it was really good.”
“Dave found the evening very emotional, we all did. I’ve never seen him cry so much. We loved it when everyone sang I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles. The whole thing was like something out of a film.”
Salvation Army Band leader Nathan James said: “The band were standing right outside the living room window, reading the music from the glow of the fairy lights. I hear Dave is very popular and this seemed like a very nice thing to do for a very nice gentleman.”
Mr and Mrs Hunt, who were joined by daughter Charlie, 23, were showered with good wishes and hundreds of cards, and a collection for St Peter’s Hospice has raised almost £200. But waking up the next day to see the front garden covered in glitzy decorations was a highlight.
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw it in daylight. Everywhere is absolutely covered in tinsel and baubles. When Dave looks out the window he just smiles.”
Michaela Crumpton, resident and parish councillor, said the event which was co-ordinated by Julie Marshall started with a handful of people and snowballed.
“The weather was absolutely dreadful but it didn’t put anyone off,” she said. “It’s been heart-warming to see the community coming together to show Dave and his family they care.”
Mrs Hunt said: “We thought we were on our own. This showed me we’re not.”