Garden party for local postman in Wreningham near Norwich

Father of three, beloved postie of more than 30 years and Morris dancer Patrick Maidment passed away in 2017 from an aggressive form of cancer. 

Doctors initially thought Patrick had epilepsy after sudden episodes of confusion where he appeared to lose his bearings.

He had a scan at Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital where he was diagnosed with an astrocytoma, which is a type of cancer that occurs in the brain or spinal cord.

Patrick Maidment died in 2017 from a type of brain cancer (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

Despite an operation at Addenbrookes in Cambridge, followed by radiotherapy, the cancer was too aggressive.

After a few rounds of chemotherapy, Patrick became too weak, exhausting the NHS standard of care, and he died 18 months after diagnosis, aged 60.

His wife Jill, a retired biomedical scientist, said: "We were told Patrick’s tumour was life-limiting and incurable and knew that any treatment he received was to try and extend his life, not save it.

"He deteriorated quickly. It was hard to watch him suffer the side effects of such grim treatment."

Jill and Patrick on their wedding day (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

Now, seven years later, Jill will be hosting a garden party at her home in Wreningham to raise money for Brain Tumour Research in hopes that it will help find a cure.

"He was never one to turn down a piece of cake and a cup of tea, so this is a very fitting way to remember him while raising money for a good cause," she said.

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Guests are invited to park at Wreningham Church which is a short walk to the garden tea party at Willy’s Croft, which will be open to the public from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, July 14.

Jill and Patrick on a beach before his diagnosis (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

“It’s been a real family and community effort," said Jill.

Games have been organised by Patrick and Jill's daughter, Ellen, food by their son Eric, and a raffle by their niece, Sarah.

Jill added: "The support of all charities is admirable, but coming from a scientific background, I have seen how research is key in generating knowledge to be able to move forward which is why I am working with Brain Tumour Research.

"I know Patrick would be proud and even though he isn’t here to enjoy the day, we will spend it celebrating his life while creating hope for future brain tumour patients diagnosed with this devastating disease."