A WIDOWER has raised more than double his fundraising target ahead of a ‘hymnathon’ in memory of his late wife.

Ringwood church organist John Birch lost his wife, Deirdre, to cancer in 2020 and has decided to raise money for Cancer Research by playing 80 hymns to celebrate his 80th birthday.

John’s daughter Cathy Phippard told the Daily Echo: “Dad will be playing 80 hymns at Ringwood Parish Church from 2pm on Sunday September 19.

“I am very proud of him for taking this on as music is a passion he shared with my mum, so I know it will be very difficult for him.”

John, who has been an organist for 65 years, initially set out to raise £500 for the cancer charity. However, he has to date raised more than £1,850 with some people donating as much as £200 to the cause.

One man who donated £100 said: “In memory of an amazing, gentle, caring, non-judgemental lady.”

To support John’s effort, visit: fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/80-hymnathon