Friends of St Albans City supporter raise money for hospital in his memory

GENEROUS friends and family of a keen football fan who died earlier this year have presented a total of £1,300 to a hospital in his memory. Bill Bates, who lived in Harpenden, received regular treatments and check-ups for a tumour at the National Hospital

GENEROUS friends and family of a keen football fan who died earlier this year have presented a total of £1,300 to a hospital in his memory.

Bill Bates, who lived in Harpenden, received regular treatments and check-ups for a tumour at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery .

He had successfully undergone two operations in 1990 and 2003 but died earlier this year aged 47.

His friends and family collected £1,000 at his memorial service which will help fund training and education for staff in the medical intensive care unit.

And a further cheque for £300 has been presented to the intensive care unit from a charity walk organised by supporters of St Albans City Football Club.

Bill was one of the club's most loyal fans and attended nearly all their home and away matches.

His mother Mary said: "The doctors and nurses knew him over many years. They were very kind and caring. He enjoyed hill walking in Scotland and his time at Stirling University; also golf and snooker with his friends.

"Bill was a very strong person. He loved life. He is a tremendous loss. He worked full time as a senior computing engineer and received many awards over the years. Tributes from his colleagues and friends have been overwhelming and much appreciated by his family."

Dr Nicholas Hirsch, who looked after Bill on the ICU a number of times at the hospital, said: "The donation is a wonderful tribute to the dedication of neurology and neuro-intensive care staff who cared for him over the years.

"I got to know Bill very well and he was completely uncomplaining and absolutely delightful. He always stood up to his disease with great courage. He and his consultant neurologist Dr Robin Howard, who cared for him here, always used to discuss their love of football."

Last Christmas while Bill was ill in hospital, St Albans City played a song before one of their matches in his honour. He chose the Beatles song I Feel Fine.