Couple sell their Catherine Cookson collection to raise money for Rowans Hospice

A couple whose son died of cancer are selling their Catherine Cookson books to raise money in his memory.
June and Hugh Hughes. Picture: Penny Cross / Plymouth HeraldJune and Hugh Hughes. Picture: Penny Cross / Plymouth Herald
June and Hugh Hughes. Picture: Penny Cross / Plymouth Herald

June and Hugh Hughes were left devastated by the loss of their son Gary, who died aged 55 earlier this year.

They want to raise money for the Rowans Hospice at Purbrook where Gary, who lived in Stubbington, was cared for in his final days.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The couple, who live in Plymouth, say they hope ‘something good’ can come of selling the books, many of which are in mint condition.

Gary HughesGary Hughes
Gary Hughes

June, 81, said: ‘My children bought me these books and I don’t want them anymore.

‘I’ve got a big bag full of them, and anything I raise will help support others with cancer.’

Gary spent his working life with the NAAFI, and served in HMS Glamorgan in the Falklands War.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

June has about 50 Catherine Cookson books in all, and is inviting people to donate what they see fit for them.

Gary HughesGary Hughes
Gary Hughes

The money will be donated to Rowans Hospice in Portsmouth and to MacMillan.

Hugh said: ‘We want to give something back - the Rowans looked after our son so well, especially the MacMillan nurses.’

June added: ‘He collected money for them both before he died; he was very keen to help them as they were so good to him.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

’Gary was away a lot from us living in Hampshire and on board ships, so we didn’t see a terrible lot of him, but he had seen some lovely places and he enjoyed life.

Gary leaves behind his wife Gloria and two daughters Melissa and Taylor.

*Anyone wanting to buy the books contact June and Hugh on 01752 515517.

Related topics: