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Leaving the party early Leaving the party early
(3 days later)
Andy Fitchett: "I want to say thank you" Why I'll be at my own wake The story of Andy Fitchett's plan to host his own wake, after he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, touched Magazine readers. But a fortnight before the event, Andy, 56, died. Here, his friend, and BBC presenter, Sandy Martin pays tribute.Andy Fitchett: "I want to say thank you" Why I'll be at my own wake The story of Andy Fitchett's plan to host his own wake, after he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, touched Magazine readers. But a fortnight before the event, Andy, 56, died. Here, his friend, and BBC presenter, Sandy Martin pays tribute.
Andy's story touched so many people after he gave us all permission to talk about his death.Andy's story touched so many people after he gave us all permission to talk about his death.
After telling his story on BBC Radio Swindon he went on numerous radio stations around the world, appeared in various newspapers, on websites and TV shows - including Richard & Judy.After telling his story on BBC Radio Swindon he went on numerous radio stations around the world, appeared in various newspapers, on websites and TV shows - including Richard & Judy.
There was a camera crew filming his final days for a TV documentary and magazine deals set up to add to the money that will be raised at his final fling on 17 March at Swindon Town Football Club.There was a camera crew filming his final days for a TV documentary and magazine deals set up to add to the money that will be raised at his final fling on 17 March at Swindon Town Football Club.
PrivilegePrivilege
He was sadly taken before the party he planned but it will go ahead, his daughter Carley told me it's what he wanted. The money from this will all go to three charities - The Prospect Hospice, McMillan Nurses and GWH Hospital.He was sadly taken before the party he planned but it will go ahead, his daughter Carley told me it's what he wanted. The money from this will all go to three charities - The Prospect Hospice, McMillan Nurses and GWH Hospital.
Andy's story had a profound impact on my life - I'd know him since 1982. We first met when he came to clean my carpets after a burglary. We were good friends from that day. A quality guy who loved to make you laugh.Andy's story had a profound impact on my life - I'd know him since 1982. We first met when he came to clean my carpets after a burglary. We were good friends from that day. A quality guy who loved to make you laugh.
He was a regular contributor to my radio show and took part in Worst Joke Wednesday - he was on it every week.He was a regular contributor to my radio show and took part in Worst Joke Wednesday - he was on it every week.
I can't imagine looking people in the eye knowing it is the last time I will see many of them. Listen to a BBC Radio Wiltshire interview with Andy He would have loved to have been a stand-up comedian and had planned to do a three-minute stand-up routine for Comic Relief live on the radio on the day of his final fling. The objective of the party was to leave us laughing for the last time.I can't imagine looking people in the eye knowing it is the last time I will see many of them. Listen to a BBC Radio Wiltshire interview with Andy He would have loved to have been a stand-up comedian and had planned to do a three-minute stand-up routine for Comic Relief live on the radio on the day of his final fling. The objective of the party was to leave us laughing for the last time.
He loved life and was a generous man. Andy took a coach-load of his staff and friends to Old Trafford to watch his beloved Swindon Town play Man Utd, a great day even though we didn't win.He loved life and was a generous man. Andy took a coach-load of his staff and friends to Old Trafford to watch his beloved Swindon Town play Man Utd, a great day even though we didn't win.
He came to my wedding and I went to his, we shared some great stories and honest conversations.He came to my wedding and I went to his, we shared some great stories and honest conversations.
During the past six months the quality times we spent together were totally inspiring. Andy's attitude when faced with death was amazing and begged the question - what would I do if it was me?During the past six months the quality times we spent together were totally inspiring. Andy's attitude when faced with death was amazing and begged the question - what would I do if it was me?
Fitchett EffectFitchett Effect
His message to his children was never be afraid to make mistakes, and if you do try to learn from them.His message to his children was never be afraid to make mistakes, and if you do try to learn from them.
Andy was an amazing person and I feel privileged to have been part of his life.He was a warm, generous man who wanted to make the world laugh.Andy was an amazing person and I feel privileged to have been part of his life.He was a warm, generous man who wanted to make the world laugh.
So if you knew Andy or were touched by his story raise a glass to him and make someone laugh out loud - it's called the Andy Fitchett Effect.So if you knew Andy or were touched by his story raise a glass to him and make someone laugh out loud - it's called the Andy Fitchett Effect.
Add your comments on this story, using the form below.
Add your comments on this story, using the form below.
Andy had a gift of making you feel worthy. I am very glad he entered my world. Life is for living, Andy could see good and bring out the sunshine on a cloudy day. It was always a really pleasure being in Andy's presence, company.Thank you xxalison hewlett, weston-super-mare
What a very admirable way to go, a man that will not be forgotten and who's ideals are with him, integral in life and death.I had a cancer operation, the surgeon said it was a clean operation and I did not have chemo therapy afterwards. I am healthy, bar some arthritis that developed last year, but should I have to go I shall contemplate a similar end, for I too would like to be at my own funeral party. Have a fantastic evening and when your time comes let yourself go with joy. Ingo Wagenknecht, Rockland St. Mary, Norfolk
Just read about Andy for the first time tonight what a thoroughly courageous and loving dad he was. I wish I could have known him, I have taken a lot even from this small snapshot of Andy's life and talk of his fantastic attitude. God bless you sir may you rest in peace and I will raise a glass to your memory on the 17th Paul D, Daventry
Its sad he didnt manage to make it , but i guess he will be there with you all watching . God bless ,and hope his family take care .lee regan , Montrose Angus
Andy you are a true inspiration, they way you dealt with your cancer, with such bravery and courage....it certainly made me think when I listened to your interview last month. It is a very cruel twist that now you wont make your own wake in person but Im betting in spirit youll be there standing by your family & friends.Sleep well Andy Fitchett...Im sure many people who didnt know you will be raising a glass to you on the 17th March.R Cook, U
Such an obviously gracious fellow! I shall be playing pipes on that 17th... and I shall reserve the proper time to salute him on his way. May his team be crowned with victory and may his children and friends be rested assured of his final victory and success. ...And may we fall heir to such grace... when comes our due.DC, North America
I have nothing but respect for people who love life and love the people they meet and wish to go out and be remembered on a happy note. Andy seems like the kind of person we should all aspire to be. Freya Bentos, London
Andy had the right idea: wakes aren't meant for dour reflection and sadness, but to celebrate the life of the deceased; to drink and be merry. I'm part-Irish - we have the right idea.Christopher Teague, Wales
Andy, your story really touched me and gave me a lot of courage even though we never met and never would. You are truly an inspiration. Rest in Peace.Phill, Manchester, UK
I was so saddened to hear of Andy Fitchetts death, but from everything I've heard of how he lived his life and the people he has touched he leaves this world having touched many many hearts.Andy's family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. God BlessElaine, Coventry, England
I saw the interview with Andy on the Richard & Judy show and I was in tears then. I'm even more upset now !What a wonderful person and what a wonderful example he has set. There is a lot of truth in the old adage..."Only the good die young"......David King.David King, Caumont sur Garonne, France
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