AN EVENING celebrating the life of a popular family man and farmer from Canon Pyon raised more than £20,000 for St Michael’s Hospice.

Vivian Powell died at the Bartestree hospice on Christmas Day last year, aged 68.

In his memory, Vivian’s friends and family organised a Race Night at Lower House Farm in Tillington.

During the night, Vivian’s daughters, Penny and Sarah, paid a moving tribute to their dad and praised the care provided to him, and their family, by St Michael’s.

Well over 200 guests enjoyed a supper before placing their bets ahead of the racing. St Michael’s also benefitted from an auction and raffle with the total amount raised from the night reaching £23,233.

Sarah said: "Vivian was so thankful to the Hospice for the support and care given to both him and his family during his final weeks.

"The care and compassion offered to him by all the staff and wonderful volunteers was above and beyond our expectations, so we are very grateful to have such a fantastic hospice in Herefordshire."

Meanwhile, this year’s Oakchurch Fashion Show will be in loving memory of Vivian, who was a close family friend of the Fashion Show organisers, the Price family.