Pigeon fanciers throughout the country have donated to a hospital in memory of a Workington man.
Michael Cape, who flew in both Workington Victoria and Workington Social Limit clubs in partnership with his father Les, died suddenly in October at the age of 35.
When he was 15 Michael had undergone a heart transplant operation in Newcastle Freeman Hospital after starting in racing pigeons just a few years before.
His highest profile visitor in Newcastle at the time of his successful operation was Newcastle United and England centre forward Alan Shearer.
As Shearer arrived, laden with Newcastle goodies, Michael famously said: “Now before you start Alan I’m a Manchester United fan.”
He and father Les have had successes during their time in the sport, including a Derwent Valley Federation topper. Les is to continue racing the birds.
One fellow fancier said: “Michael was a character and certainly a battler who lived as normal a life as it was possible after his transplant. He loved his pigeons, his darts and Man Utd.”
Fanciers from across West Cumbria, workmates, friends and family had attended in large numbers when his funeral service was held at Distington Crematorium.
At the weekend fanciers from all over the country gathered in Blackpool for the annual Show of the Year and two West Cumbrian women were in charge of a charity stall.
Meryl Blacklock (Workington) and Pauline Varty (Flimby) raised £400 which will go to the heart unit at the Newcastle Freeman hospital where he had his operation, in memory of Michael.
Their two husbands, Les Blacklock (a former RPRA President) and Jimmy Varty, were honoured to be invited to judge the Supreme Champion at the show which was won by J. and A. Bell from Ayrshire.
