Jimmy's Story

Let us introduce you to James Hawes. James died in June 2025 and in August, we learned that he had left a gift in his will to St Oswald’s Hospice.  

James, known as Jimmy to his friends, moved up to the north east in the 1980s from Croydon, South London. 

Heavily involved in pigeon racing, Jimmy wanted to be closer to his friends, including Peter, who he would see every year at the Blackpool Pigeon Show. Through their shared passion for pigeons, the men struck up a solid friendship and when Jimmy decided he wanted to move north, Peter helped him to secure a flat, close to his own home in Newsham, Northumberland.  

Peter reflected, “Jimmy was a lovely bloke, friendly and very sociable. He used to come up to the Newsham Club for the presentations – over 250 people would be there. 
When he moved here, there was a group of us who used to go every Friday and Saturday to the ‘club’ for a couple of drinks.”

“Of course, there was the pigeon racing as well, and through that, we met lots of people from all over. It’s a really close-knit community and we always look out for each other. He’s a big miss.” 

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Judy Long, Peter’s daughter, has fond memories of Jimmy, recalling his bright red Doc Martens.

He became like another member of the family and when his health began to decline, Jimmy asked Judy if she would help carfor him whilst he remained in his home. 

Judy said, “We didn’t know much about Jimmy’s earlier life or his family as he didn’t talk about it. He never married, and he cared for his father, a soldier in the British Army, until his death.” 

As Jimmy was approaching his own death, he began to mention little things about his own family, but it was only after he’d died that Judy found a handwritten letter with more information about his upbringing.  

Judy added, “Jimmy had a bit of a traumatic childhood and his mam died when he was young, leaving behind him and his brother. When he moved up here, he lived a simple life and wasn’t at all extravagant.”

When Jimmy received his cancer diagnosis, he asked Peter and Judy if they could help him get his will organised. Before he had his will written up, Jimmy already knew he wanted to leave a gift to St Oswald’s Hospice. 

Judy explains, “Jimmy kept his own accounts in a book, updating it whenever there was a receipt. He knew what he had to the penny and was shocked when I told him he could simply go to the bank and they’d be able to give him a statement!” 

“When he told me about the gift he wanted to leave to the Hospice, I was stunned, speechless.” 

Judy’s daughter Alex, aged 18, has been coming for short breaks to the Children and Young Adults Unit at St Oswald’s Hospice since she was 5 years old.  

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“Jimmy said he wanted his money to stay in the local area, and he’d seen the impact St Oswald’s Hospice had on our lives."

“He wanted to do something to support the service that Alex has so much wonderful care and support from,” said Judy.  

Jimmy generously gifted £90,000 to St Oswald’s Hospice.  

Peter added, “Jimmy always used to ask after Alex every time I saw him. When I found out about his kind gesture, I couldn’t believe it. We know that this amount will make a difference and really help those who need it.” 

When Jimmy was nearing the end of his life, his wish was to spend his final days at St Oswald’s Hospice, just like his friend Michael was able to. Unfortunately, Jimmy’s condition deteriorated suddenly and he didn’t make it to the Hospice before he died. 

Judy said, “During his illness, he would say ‘I’ve had a good life’ and he was certain of that. The gift he has given to the Hospice through his will is incredible and we will all be forever grateful to him for his kindness.” 

Click here to find out more about how to leave a gift in your Will.

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