Bourne poet Philip Dunkerley set for Stamford launch of latest collection in aid of Royal Papworth Charities

A poet has honoured a late friend by compiling a collection to support the hospital which treated him.

Phil Dunkerley, from Bourne, is set to launch his latest collection of poems, Blades of Grass, at Stamford Arts Centre on Wednesday, March 26.

Having raised £1,190 last year for the Boxes of Hope charity from his previous collection, this time proceeds from sales of the first 100 copies will go to Royal Papworth Charities in memory of Phil's friend, Steve Cawte.

Steve, a Papworth patient, was the much-loved founding editor of Impspired Press and died last year at the age of just 41.

Blades of Grass includes Phil's much-heralded poem 'Tragedy on Harrington Street', a light-hearted account of life on earth over the last 4.2 billion years.

“That makes the cover price of the collection, just £10, look like fair value for money,” quipped Phil, a longtime regular at Stamford's Pint of Poetry event.

“Any extra contribution will be much appreciated by Papworth Hospital.”

The book contains 44 of Phil's own poems plus six of his translations of Spanish and Portuguese works.

The launch event starts at 7.30pm and entry is free.