Money raised in memory of a much-respected journalist and photographer has been put towards helping cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy.  

Maurice Gray, from Walcott, died at the age of 80 on October 2 last year. 

He battled cancer for nearly five years and all that time he was looked after at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital’s Weybourne unit, where he underwent nearly 50 chemotherapy sessions. 

Now £765 raised at his funeral has been put towards new facilities at the unit. 

Margaret Luckett-Gray, his widow, said: “I have just been advised by the hospital charity that the Weybourne Day Unit team has recently been able to create an extra bed bay to allow more patients to be treated in the unit.

Obituary: Freelance journalist whose 'biggest love' was his local area

North Norfolk News: Some of the reclining chairs in the Weybourne unit where Maurice Gray had his chemotherapy. Some of the reclining chairs in the Weybourne unit where Maurice Gray had his chemotherapy. (Image: Maurice Gray)

“The very generous donation has been put towards the new furniture needed for the bay – specifically towards the cost of the reclining chair used by patients while they are being treated.

“This extremely kind support for the unit means that patients with cancer will be able to receive treatment more quickly, and will be in use for years for that specific purpose.

READ MORE: Widow passes on donations to hospital team that cared for husband

“I thank you all so sincerely and am so grateful to everybody who donated that you have made this possible.

“Pre-Covid, I spent every chemotherapy session in the unit with Maurice and the chairs made the long days so much more comfortable for all the patients and Maurice would be delighted that extra patients can now be treated”.

Mr Gray worked as a freelance journalist in Norfolk for 40 years, beginning his career in East Anglia at the Lowestoft Journal.

Then, following his diagnosis, he shared the highs and lows of his terminal condition in 14 instalments of a 'warts and all' cancer diary.