Tim Whiting was so moved by the care his wife received from hospice staff during her last moments that he decided to organise a variety show to raise money.

"The Prospect at Home team provided superb help and support to my wife Riny, myself and our family during the time she was at home with cancer," said the 68-year-old former Swindon teacher from West Swindon.

"Due to their support, Riny was able to die, peacefully, at home.”

So he is staging Songs from The Heart at the Deanery Academy this weekend

“Since my gentle, kind, beautiful Riny died I have benefited enormously from the support of Prospect’s bereavement support team," he said.

"I received one to one counselling and took part in group counselling sessions. I knew about the work Prospect did with the terminally ill but had no knowledge of how much support they offered those bereaved."

“I will forever be grateful to Prospect for enabling Riny to have, what I now realise, many would consider, a perfect death and for their kindness in guiding me through the pain and fog of grief.

"My heart goes out to all who have suffered the added trauma of losing a loved one during the pandemic.”

The show, which has a matinee and evening performance on October 10 features a cast of local talent as well as the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Dennis DeMille

Other acts taking part include the 41º Big Band who will be backing Dennis Demille, three local choirs, Songbirds, Guys and Dolls and students from the Ridgeway School faculty of performing arts, local soloists and the Judith Hockaday School of Dance.

There will also be a licensed bar and a raffle

Everyone involved, including all acts, have volunteered to take part and all proceeds from the event will go directly to Prospect.

“I am enormously grateful to so many who embraced the idea with enthusiasm and encouraged me," said Tim, who retired from Ridgeway School as head of PE 12 years ago.

“ I have been overwhelmed by the spontaneous kindness and generosity that Prospect generates in people. So, we have a show, and what a cracking show it is.”

Aside from raising money for a worthy cause close to his heart, Tim is hoping to bring people joy after a tough year and a half.

“There’s nothing better than seeing people smile and the joy on their faces. That’s what life is about.”

Performances are at 2.30pm and 6.30pm.

Tickets are available now costing £5 from ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/wilts