FRIENDS and relatives of Andrew Best, who died of cancer aged just 24 last year, have raised £10,000 in his memory for a new chemotherapy bus.

Andy, who lived in Eastington, had bowel cancer and received treatment from one of Hope for Tomorrow’s Mobile Chemotherapy Units which meant he did not have to travel and wait in hospital.

Before his death in October last year, it was Andy's wish to hold a charity auction in aid of cancer charity Hope for Tomorrow, which aims to provide vital treatment closer to patients’ homes.

"Andy wanted to raise £10,000 for a new chemotherapy bus as there was only one at the time," said Andy’s mother Faye.

"My first thought was it would be far too much but his friends have done him proud."

Andy began to organise an auction and even set a date, Saturday, November 21, but sadly died just weeks before it took place.

However, because of Andy's passion, his family took over the reigns so that the auction could still go ahead.

The auction raised £3,200 thanks to donations from businesses and nine months on friends and family have brought the total up to £10,000 through quiz nights, sky dives and marathon runs.

"Receiving his treatment on one of the mobile units made Andy’s life a lot easier and he wanted more people to benefit in the same way," added Faye.

"Andy hated waiting for hours in the hospital as it depressed him.

"As soon as he arrived at the chemo bus, treatment would begin straight away it was a happy atmosphere.

"He liked going there and actually looked forward to his treatment. He made all the nurses laugh.

"I would pull up outside to collect him and just hear everyone laughing, it was incredible."

A cheque for £10,000 was presented to Hope for Tomorrow by Faye and friends in front of one of the Mobile Chemotherapy Units at Cirencester Hospital on Wednesday, August 4.

*Cancer charity Hope for Tomorrow launched a new music CD yesterday, Tuesday, as an innovative way of raising funds for its mobile chemotherapy unit project. The uplifting words by Geoffrey Bray, have been set to music by composer Paul Hale and beautifully sung by professional artist Adrrienne Hale. The CD, entitled Hope for Tomorrow, can be ordered through the charity for a minimum donation of £6 - all money goes to the charity. For more information visit www.hopefortomorrow.org.uk, email info@hopefortomorrow.org.uk or phone 01666 505055.