Landlord cues up to fulfill last wish

Paul Earnshaw, 30, is hoping to raise cash to help a young mum Nichola Southey, 38, who has been unconscious since she suffered a severe asthma attack more than seven months ago.

Her friend Wendy Field had asked Mr Earnshaw to stage a fundraiser, but before it could be organised she sadly died.

Ms Field, 30, from Coopers Green, Bicester, took her own life in April.

Now father-of-five Mr Earnshaw, who runs the White Horse pub, in Churchill Road, Bicester, is urging people to sign up and play pool against him and raise cash in Ms Field’s name. He said: “I’m doing this because Wendy really wanted it to happen.”

Miss Southey, who has a four-year-old daughter Madison, had a serious asthma attack at a friend’s 18th birthday party last October. Ambulance staff gave her adrenaline, but she suffered a heart attack before falling unconscious.

She has been in Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital ever since, and her family fear she will never wake up again.

Last month the Nichola Southey Appeal was launched to raise cash to buy a specialist wheelchair which they hope will help her recovery.

A fancy dress party and a raffle at the town’s Highfield Social Club raised £2,500.

Mr Earnshaw hopes to raise a further £750 for the appeal.

Mr Earnshaw’s 24-hour pool challenge starts on Saturday.

The publican will host a competition for teams of four, which will run alongside.

Mr Earnshaw has played pool since he was 15 and competes in the Bicester and District Pool League. He has previously played for 12 hours straight for Sports Relief.

He said: “It will be difficult but I’m up to the challenge.”

Pat Holmes, Miss Southey’s mother, said: “Nichola and Wendy were best friends, but Paul was a complete stranger to me. For him to take this challenge on for a lady he never knew is overwhelming.

“The community has really pulled together for Nichola.”

The fundraiser starts at noon on Saturday. To take part or make a donation call 01869 253135.