Van aim is Joe’s legacy to hospice colleagues
A Cambuslang fundraiser is proving he’s no ordinary Joe despite battling a terminal illness.
Joe Steen is aiming to raise thousands of pounds to buy a van for St Andrew’s Hospice – where he has worked as the warehouse manager at for the last seven years.
Tragically, the 61-year-old was diagnosed with asbestosis and given a terminal diagnosis several months ago.
But that hasn’t stopped Joe from vowing to raise enough cash to supply the Lanarkshire hospice with a new van which he maintains will be his legacy.
He told the Reformer: “To put it bluntly I know I am going to die, but I can’t be bitter about it because I’m using the energy I have to try and get this van for my staff who will be here when I’m not.
“If we can do that, it would mean the world to me. I have been passionate about raising money for them since I joined the hospice.
“Now I am finding out on my own palliative care journey just how important and supportive the
care is that is given.
“All I want to do is to leave a legacy. I’ve come to terms with what is going to happen to me.”
Joe’s first major event saw over 100 people pack into the Parkville in Blantyre for a special event, while a JustGiving page set up by him has already banked over £6000 with more to come.
“We already have £4500 from ticket money for the event at the Parkville,” said Joe.
“I have been working on it from the house.
“It’s one of the things that is keeping me going.
“My wife had her 60th birthday earlier this month so I wanted
to make that for her and this is another thing that I can focus on.”
Popular Joe is being given a helping hand from the volunteers at the St Andrew’s Hospice store in Wishaw, who have been taking part in a sponsored twist event.
Store manager Sharon Neill said: “Joe is such a great guy and this
is his big dream to get a van for the hospice outright rather than having to lease one.
“It has been keeping us busy instore and we have had customers come in and have a go as well.
“The customers who have came in have been very generous already.
“On the morning of February 3 we will be doing a twistathon for three hours so hopefully that can help contribute to Joe’s total.”
If you would like to donate to Joe’s JustGiving page, then you can head online to www.justgiving. com/page/joes-vantasticfundraiser-23