WEST Devon fundraiser David Hocking this week issued an appeal for information, in relation to a special project he is organising for one of the children's wards at Derriford Hospital.

David, 55, is currently raising money for a specially commissioned painting by former Tavistock artist Laura Wall, to be hung in Woodcock Ward at Derriford.

He would like to dedicate the painting to a little girl he met in the hospital when he was a patient there in the Christmas of 1967.

David said: 'I was there for approximately two to three weeks — the ward was decorated by clowns and apart from the operations, I had a great time!

'Opposite me in the ward was Sharon — I can't remember her surname, but I wouldn't have blinked without Sharon's approval!

'Sharon had very little to do with anyone else in the ward but I would wander over and read to Sharon, who was tiny and very poorly — she was about seven years old.

'On Christmas morning I was summoned over to Sharon's bedside to open her presents. She was so weak that morning but she was excited at the thought of ripping off the paper, so much so that I let her have mine as well. I spent nearly two hours with her and we had a great time.

'But come mid afternoon the screens were drawn and her family had gathered.'

David said Sharon died that afternoon, but he could remember her as if it were yesterday.

He would dearly love to be able to dedicate the new picture to her — but he can't remember her surname and has no way of contacting her relatives for permission.

Anyone who can help David is asked to call him on 07899 916959.