A Sutton Bridge man is spending his last months enjoying his pride and joy train set after a huge community effort.
Clive Forder has been given four to six months to live due to a tumour in his lung which has also now spread to his lymph nodes.
The former bus driver and supermarket worker has also had a bleed on the brain, and a spinal condition that means he’s unable to have chemotherapy.
Last year, his wife Tina appealed to help fund a new building in the garden where Clive could enjoy his model railway set-up.
More than £2,000 was raised through donations for the project taken on by a group called Band of Builders.
In their spare time they take on projects in the style of the TV show DIY SOS.
It’s taken slightly longer than hoped for, and Tina’s family have helped out, but it’s not in a state where Clive, who is largely confined to his wheel chair, can sit with his trains again.
“Everyone’s done a fantastic job,” said Tina. “Clive’s now enjoying his shed.
“It’s not heated so it’s been difficult getting out during the winter. But now the weather’s getting a bit better he’ll be out there as much as possible, especially following the latest diagnosis.
“I can’t thank everyone enough who has been involved.
“The Band of Builders were brilliant, they’re all really nice and keep in touch.
“I know some of them dipped into their own pockets to purchase the materials as well as the fundraising.”
The family recently had a ‘last’ holiday with Clive, but were left with a sour taste after one of the schools three of his eight grandchildren attend fined the family for missing school.
Tina says the school in Gaywood, King’s Lynn, fined them £60 per child per parent, meaning a total of £360.
“It’s absolutely disgusting,” she said. “The school must be heartless.”
