A Derry man who died of cancer earlier this month made an amazing act of generosity just shortly before his death.

John McGroarty, who passed away on July 4, had been a life-long fan of pigeon racing.

However, as his health deteriorated, 66 year-old John found it difficult to keep up his hobby.

So the father-of-four recently decided to auction off his remaining pigeons to raise money for the Sperrin Ward at Altnagelvin Hospital which provides care for cancer patients.

The auction at the Rocking Chair Bar raised almost £1,500 for the unit.

John, who was from Helen Street, had 200 birds during the height of his hobby and auctioned off the final 60 just before his passing.

Mary, John’s wife, said her husband’s passion for racing pigeons began in his boyhood and was a hobby that was always close to his heart throughout his life.

“John first took an interest in racing pigeons when he was a young boy living in Marlborough Road when he watched a neighbour who had pigeons,” she said.

“His interest became serious in 1975 after we got married and bought our house in Marlborough Road. I always said his pigeon loft was more important than the house.

“Over the years, John built up an extensive team and had some success flying for the Foyle Club and the Maiden City Club.”

Mary said the family received bad news last year when, unfortunately, John was diagnosed with cancer.

“It became impossible for John to look after his flock and we, as his family, didn’t know how to look after them for him, so he took the heart-rending decision to have a charity auction of his birds,” she said.

“We would like to thank the North West pigeon fraternity who turned out to the auction and bought birds and to those who didn’t buy but made a donation.

“We would like to say a special thanks to Martin Healy and Pat Creggan who helped organise the sale and to the Duffy brothers for the use of The Rocking Chair Bar.

“To John’s good friends, Gerry Nixon and James McCallion, who helped his family care for the birds while they were still in Helen Street.”

Mary smiled: “John said he hoped that someone has bought the bird that will breed the next King’s Cup winner.”

Mary said that John’s selfless decision was for those needing the great help and care he received at Ward 43.

“John donated the money to Ward 43 for patient comfort in the hope that it will help people who making the same journey as him,” she added.

John is survived by his wife, Mary, sons, Sean, Ryan and Stephen and daughter, Cathy.

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