Man to sell his 4,000 books in aid of hospice

A man has opened a shop to sell his collection of 4,000 books to raise money for the hospice where he is receiving care.

Rob McCann, from the Kent village of Sutton Valence, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2023 and given just weeks to live.

"Yet here I am, 18 months later, still going strong," he added.

He opened Capelli's Books in his village on Tuesday to raise money for the Heart of Kent Hospice.

Mr McCann took on a short-term role in the Aylesford hospice's finance department after retiring as an accountant but is now a patient receiving care at the hospice.

He said he would like to see the shop become a community space where people can come to browse, shop and read.  

He will be opening the shop regularly, around his chemotherapy treatments and dog walking, for as long as he stays well and able to do so.

"Having worked at the hospice, I thought I understood it, but becoming a patient showed me just how special it truly is," he said.

"It's not just a place where people go to die, it's full of life, warmth, and support.

"Despite chemo, a collapsed lung, and ongoing treatment, I feel surprisingly good.

"Exercise has been key - I even ran the Hospice Maidstone Road Run 5k during chemo, though my doctor wasn't thrilled."

Rachel Street, chief executive of Heart of Kent Hospice, opened the shop alongside the Mayor of Maidstone, councillor John Perry.

Ms Street said: "We are so delighted that Rob has decided to open Capelli's Books to sell the books he has accumulated over his lifetime.

"Come along and see his eclectic variety of books on display, and maybe even enjoy a catch up over a cup of tea or coffee."

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