Andy Fitchett: “I want to say thank you”

The story of Andy Fitchett’s plan to host his own wake, after he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, touched Magazine readers. But a fortnight before the event, Andy, 56, died. Here, his friend, and BBC presenter, Sandy Martin pays tribute.

Andy’s story touched so many people after he gave us all permission to talk about his death.
After telling his story on BBC Radio Swindon he went on numerous radio stations around the world, appeared in various newspapers, on websites and TV shows – including Richard & Judy.

There was a camera crew filming his final days for a TV documentary and magazine deals set up to add to the money that will be raised at his final fling on 17 March at Swindon Town Football Club.

Privilege

He was sadly taken before the party he planned but it will go ahead, his daughter Carley told me it’s what he wanted. The money from this will all go to three charities – The Prospect Hospice, McMillan Nurses and GWH Hospital. Andy’s story had a profound impact on my life – I’d know him since 1982. We first met when he came to clean my carpets after a burglary. We were good friends from that day. A quality guy who loved to make you laugh.

He was a regular contributor to my radio show and took part in Worst Joke Wednesday – he was on it every week.

He would have loved to have been a stand-up comedian and had planned to do a three-minute stand-up routine for Comic Relief live on the radio on the day of his final fling. The objective of the party was to leave us laughing for the last time.

He loved life and was a generous man. Andy took a coach-load of his staff and friends to Old Trafford to watch his beloved Swindon Town play Man Utd, a great day even though we didn’t win.

He came to my wedding and I went to his, we shared some great stories and honest conversations.
During the past six months the quality times we spent together were totally inspiring. Andy’s attitude when faced with death was amazing and begged the question – what would I do if it was me?

Fitchett Effect

His message to his children was never be afraid to make mistakes, and if you do try to learn from them.
Andy was an amazing person and I feel privileged to have been part of his life. He was a warm, generous man who wanted to make the world laugh. So if you knew Andy or were touched by his story raise a glass to him and make someone laugh out loud – it’s called the Andy Fitchett Effect.