“Phil has also been doing quite a lot of volunteer photography for the hospice and supporting us at events. For an individual to raise that kind of money is just incredible and he has been so dedicated. Thames Hospice’s marketing manager Stephanie Peters praised Phil’s support for the charity, adding that he has also volunteered some of his own time to take pictures for the hospice.

Phil hinted that he plans on potentially running another fundraising attempt next year, but was going to take a break and enjoy Christmas first before making any firm plans. “It was a way of giving something back to the hospice for looking after Gail – they are a wonderful organisation.” “I started with a £4,000 target and I didn’t think I would do that. “It is a local calendar and I think people relate to them. “I am absolutely elated but also humbled that so many people out there have supported the cause,” he said.

He also donated a cheque of £10,000 to the charity – smashing his original target by £6,000, with a total of 850 calendars sold. Phil paid a visit to Thames Hospice on Monday this week to meet staff and the volunteers who helped him create the calendar. Phil also sought the help of technical experts at Bourne End-based business the TeeTree Group to set up his own website, and has had generous sponsorship from Bourne End and Cookham Rotary Club. All money raised from calendar sales – priced at £10 each – went straight to Thames Hospice.

Some kind of wonderful by the drifters