THE family of Dublin man who lost his battle with cancer just three months after being diagnosed with the disease have created a lasting tribute at the NHS hospital that cared for him in his finals days.
Desmond French, who had loved in Waltham Forest, north east London for nearly 65 years, came under the care of Whipps Cross University Hospital in 2014 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Born in 1940 in Dublin, but raised in the capital from the age of two months, Des spent his early years at the Plough Inn, Wood Street, where his parents were publicans for 12 years.
Now, to mark his life and pay tribute to those who helped him, a special bench has been donated to Whipps Cross, taking pride of place in the hospital garden.
Speaking about the donation, his wife Kim said: “The care Des received at Whipps Cross Hospital was fantastic. As a family, we really felt that we should honour that and Des’ memory.
“The reason we chose the garden is that we know Des would have loved spending time there. "Unfortunately, he just wasn’t well enough to do that.
"We’re just pleased other people will now be able to take some time out to and go and relax there. Des will be looking down on them and smiling.”
The plaque on bench donated to Whipps Cross Hospital. Picture courtesy of Waltham Forest GuardianIn 1976, Des married Kim, his wife of nearly 40 years and they went on to have five children.
During a visit to see his daughter, Michaela, at Whipps Cross Hospital in January 2014, Des was also admitted as an inpatient after complaining to staff of hip pain and severe weight loss.
Following extensive tests, he faced the devastating news that he had terminal cancer of the hip, lung, kidney and bones.
After being transferred to St Bartholomew’s Hospital to trial a new drug, he was unfortunately only given six months to live.
Despite this, the French family rallied with determination and a positive outlook – evidence of which was when Des and Kim decided to renew their vows in February 2014.
Sadly, Des passed away a month later surrounded by family and friends.
Now, in a fitting tribute to their father, Des’ children, Darren, Daniel, Jamie, Joshua and Michaela, built a wooden bench for the hospital garden.
Alastair Wilson, Head of Catering at Barts Health NHS Trust, said: “We’ve been in close contact with the family for some time about this idea, so we’re absolutely delighted that it has come to fruition.
"This is a fantastic way to commemorate the life of Des, and we are so pleased to be able to play such a major part in that.
“On behalf of Whipps Cross, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Kim and the children for providing such a poignant and lasting tribute.”
