GMB union raises over a thousand pounds in a week for a fellow Thames lock-keeper battling cancer

The Thames Lock Keepers branch has demonstrated what trade union solidarity is all about, says GMB

GMB members in the Thames Lock Keepers branch have raised over a thousand pounds in a week for a colleague who is battling a form of bowel cancer. 

David Hemingway became the Lock Keeper at Temple Lock near Marlow in 1989.  For 29 years, he has been a well-known local character, working to support local residents, boaters and the environment at the lock and is renowned for his green fingers and immaculately tended grounds and garden at the lock and cottage. 

When news reached the GMB branch that David had been diagnosed with cancer in February, they supported him while he was still receiving full sick pay.  However, when that sick pay was due to be halved by his employer, the GMB decided to raise money for him to make sure he didn’t run out of wood and coal for his fire and could keep afloat financially. 

Tanya Rosenburg, Branch Secretary and Caversham Lock Keeper, said
“David’s chemotherapy treatment makes him very vulnerable to the cold.  He even needs to wear gloves to take anything out of the fridge.  As a union branch, we knew we needed to support him.”  Branch President and Hambleden Lock Keeper, Simon Shepherdson added
“We were eager to help our colleague in his hour of need, and within a week of putting the word around, the collection had raised nearly a thousand pounds.  This figure continues to grow as donations keep flooding in.”

Nikki Dancey, Regional Organiser, told us
“The Thames Lock Keepers branch has demonstrated what trade union solidarity is all about.  Their support for their colleague went above and beyond supporting him in all the formal procedures that people suffering with cancer and other serious illnesses are still put through at work.  We are sure this fund and support will make a positive difference to his peace of mind at this difficult time. 
“GMB union wishes David a swift and full recovery and thanks all the workers who have donated.”

ENDS

Contact: Nikki Dancey, Regional Organiser on 07713 079930 or GMB Press Office 0790 114762