A BAE worker is paying tribute to his ‘bubbly’ friend by helping fulfil her final wish.

James Dowds, from Barrow, is raising money to fund a garden allotment at Furness General Hospital (FGH) in memory of his friend, Stacy Lipscombe who died of cancer in March.

Mrs Lipscombe (nee Woodhouse) had battled a rare form of blood cancer since she was diagnosed in January 2017.

A phenomenal outpouring of grief engulfed Barrow following her death in March.

Just hours earlier she fulfilled her dream of marrying long-term partner Matt Lipscombe.

She spent a considerable amount of time at the intensive care unit in FGH where she noticed an absence of a garden area for patients to enjoy.

Mr Dowds, who became friends with Mrs Lipscombe through the Manchester United Supporters Club in Barrow, felt inspired to fulfil his late friend’s wish and organise a fundraising event entitled ‘A Night For Stacy’.

He said: “Before Stacy passed away, she noticed there was no outside facility to enjoy at the hospital.

“So after she died, I decided to try and make it happen.

“I knew Stacy really wanted this to happen.”

Mr Dowds described his friend as a ‘lovely, bubbly person who lit up a room.’

He said: “She was so well loved by everyone.

“Her friends and family are all for the idea of the garden too - everyone’s backing it.”

Mr Dowds has organised a charity music and games night at Cloud Nine to help raise funds towards the garden.

He said: “The local band, Route 66 will be playing alongside Elvis tribute, John Harrigan.

“I think it’s going to be a really good night.”

Mr Dowds has also planned a charity auction in which bidders can get a variety of prizes including a signed Barrow AFC football, a VIP package from Barrow Raiders, the rental of a Mercedes Benz for the weekend and much more.

Mr Dowds said: “The local businesses have all been so generous.

“All the funds are going towards the garden at FGH so it’s a really good cause.”

The garden is estimated to cost £2,000.

Tickets for the fundraising event, which takes place on Friday July 5 at 7pm, are £5 each.

Call Mr Dowds on 07842557762 or visit R&T music on Dalkeith Street for a ticket.