A HEREFORD pensioner fighting his own battle with cancer has helped a Hereford hospice receive an unusual donation.

Malcolm Whyatt, from Hampton Park, has handed over stuffed toys given to him by a 96-year-old female war veteran.

Mr Whyatt, 78, first read of Alma Kent, a Second World War nurse who survived the fall of Singapore and imprisonment in the infamous Changi Prison, in a magazine.

Having returned to the UK she became a champion of charities close to her heart, running in over 200 marathons and events to raise funds, as well as using her pre-war training at Hamleys toy store in London to make stuffed animals to sell as fundraisers.

Mr Whyatt, the founder and historian of the Oscar Heidenstam Foundation, which gives financial and other awards to exceptional able-bodied and disabled people, first met Ms Kent almost a decade ago when the foundation handed her an award recognising those who continue to help others despite suffering trauma themselves.

The pair met again at a charity function two months ago when she brought her unusual collection of toys with her.

“Alma brought a surplus of her stuffed animals to auction off at our auction and grand draw,” said Mr Whyatt.

“I mentioned that I’d like to pass on the remaining toys to St Michael’s Hospice, and she was delighted to support a Hereford charity with her donations.”

Rev David Vonberg, the hospice’s head of family services, was surprised by the cuddly creatures.

Two were auctioned off during a charity event at Dewsall Court, with each fetching £150.

He will be accepting bids of any amount for each of the six remaining stuffed animals.

Send bids to him at the hospice or by emailing dvonberg@ st-michaels-hospice.org.uk by 12pm on December 12.