The family of much-loved Nuneaton man Damon Owens has donated an incredible £5,555 to George Eliot Hospital Charity in his memory, funding three specialist reclining treatment chairs for patients receiving care on the Dorothea Unit at George Eliot Hospital.
Damon was diagnosed with bowel cancer in January 2023 and spent many hours on the Dorothea Unit receiving treatment. Sadly, Damon lost his life in September 2025, but his family wanted to create a lasting legacy in his memory that would support other cancer patients for years to come.
Damon’s wife, Tanya, and their son, Ethan, recently visited the Dorothea Unit to see the new chairs and learn more about the difference their donation will make.
Tanya and Ethan said: “It was a privilege to be invited into the Unit to see Damon’s legacy. The Dorothea Unit and the staff became family to us, and the care and support they showed Damon was exceptional.”
The family also wanted to give special thanks to Dr Scott Brown, Clinical Oncology Consultant, Vickie Trory, Colorectal Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Dr Nissar, Oncology Registrar, for the care and support they provided to Damon and the family.
Tanya describes Damon as a “larger-than-life character” who was passionate about cars. He worked for many years at Car User (NAPA) in Nuneaton, delivering car parts to local garages and mechanics, where he became a familiar face to customers, colleagues and businesses across the area.
Despite his cancer diagnosis and treatment, Damon continued working at Car User right up until just six weeks before his death. His love of cars and his work were a huge part of his life, and he remained determined to carry on doing what he enjoyed for as long as he could.
Damon and Tanya celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on 9 June 2025, just a few months before Damon sadly passed away.
Following his death, Tanya and Ethan were overwhelmed by the generosity of Damon’s friends, family, neighbours, colleagues, customers and the wider Car User (NAPA) community, who came together to raise the £5,555 donation in his memory.
Tanya and Ethan said they were incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed, adding that knowing the money will provide comfort to other patients makes the donation particularly meaningful.
George Eliot Hospital Charity would like to thank Tanya, Ethan and everyone who contributed to this very special donation in Damon’s memory.