RELATIVES of a keen fisherman from Leigh, near Malvern, will be paying tribute to his memory with a fund-raising fishing event.

Len Stokes, of Leigh, died from cancer in December, aged 53. He was cared for by St Richard’s Hospice, which will benefit from the 48-hour marathon.

Mr Stokes’s brother-in-law, Andy Townsend, said: “The whole family, including Len, were overwhelmed with the quality of care provided by everyone at St Richard’s. We all want to give something back.

“Len, like most of the male members of the family, was a keen fisherman so this seems a perfect but slightly different way of raising funds.” The event takes place at the Birdcage fishing pool, Bransford from Friday to Sunday, May 4-6.

Taking part will be Mr Townsend, Mr Stokes’s other brother-in-law Rob Hooper, his nephew David Hooper and family friend Barry Milton.

Mr Stokes’s sisters Marie Townsend and Linda Hooper will be organising a barbecue. Other family and friends are expected to join the fishing crew for a few hours in honour of Len’s memory.

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supports their families. For information, visit strichards.org.uk.