ONE of the last things a dying man did was to tell his son to raise enough money to buy a portable heart monitor to help cardiac patients.

Keith Jones, from Box, died at the age of 70 last November after suffering from heart disease. He had been a patient at the Royal United Hospital's Coronary Care Unit.

His son, Kane Fulbrook-Smith, from Trowbridge, raised the money by running regular car boot stalls and collected £1,700.

Kane was able to meet RUH staff, hand over the donation and supply cardiac patients at the hospital with a new portable heart monitor.

"My father was always full of gratitude to the nursing team and surgeons at the RUH for their continued professionalism, personal care and compassion," he said.

“One of his wishes was that he’d like to help fund more portable heart monitors – it was one of his main frustrations as he didn’t like being unable to get out of bed, as he would say.

"He wanted others in the same situation as him to benefit from the use of a portable heart monitor.

“I would like to thank everyone involved with the pre and post-care given to him. He spoke highly of the RUH staff and it was their dedication, empathy and compassionate care that made the difference to his wellbeing and recovery on every admission.”

Jan Witt, of the Forever Friends Appeal, and Junior sister of the cardiac ward, Marta Pargana, were full of praise for Kane's efforts.

“On behalf of the cardiac ward we would like to thank Kane for his amazing donation. This additional portable heart monitor will make a great difference on our ward, enabling a patient to move freely around the ward whilst being monitored," said Marta.

“Receiving Kane’s kind support in honour of his father, Keith, enables the Appeal to support the valuable work of the cardiac ward and will enhance the care it already gives to patients," said Mrs Witt.

"On behalf of The Forever Friends Appeal, we are truly grateful to Kane and his family. Thank you for choosing to support us in this way.”