ONE year after the death of Fenland businessman David Dobson his family are carrying out one of his last wishes to raise money and awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mr Dobson of March died last July age 68 after fighting a rare cancer called Mesothelioma. He underwent pioneering surgery on the linings of his major organs but it failed to halt the asbestos related cancer which is extremely aggressive.

On Saturday his widow Gill, daughter Claire and son Andrew, are hosting an open garden afternoon in accordance with Mr Dobson’s wishes. Hundreds of people are set to enjoy the carefully planned event and raise thousands of pounds for the cancer charity.

Sales of tickets and donations have already raised around �5,000. Claire said: “By July 16 on what would have been dad’s birthday we had reached �5,000. Right at the beginning we thought we might be able to get to �5,000 now it looks as if the sky is the limit.

“We are holding it at the time which would have between his death and funeral so it has given us something very positive to focus on.”

The garden of the family home at Orchard House, Orchard Road South, is just about ready for the event which will feature a hog roast by the award winning Petrou brothers, followed by strawberries and cream. It will run from 12 noon until 5pm.

Admission is �10 and there will be musical entertainment in the form of classical jazz and a draw with some great prizes.

Mr Dobson built up a multi-million pound business after starting with just a market stall. He left March Hereward School when he was 15 working for his father’s clothing business in Peterborough. He and his brother, Vernon, founded Davern Workwear and he later took over his father’s shop Dobsons.

He built up the business to become a leading manufacturer and distributor of workwear and was one of the biggest employers in Fenland. His family have carried on the business since his death.

Call 01354 654881 for more information or to book your place.