A MAN who appealed to his community to fulfil his dying wish has passed away, and his daughter-in-law wants to thank everyone who helped bring his wish to fruition.

As previously reported, David Peppit, 81, of Sweethill road, Portland - who lived at the property since 2012 - said the fences at either side of his property blew over in January during a storm, which he said left him at the mercy of what he described as cowboy builders.

Mr Peppit was diagnosed with lung cancer about a year ago and wanted to make sure his affairs were in order before he passed away. This included making sure his house would be in good condition, which meant fixing the fence.

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The fences around David's home were destroyed when a storm blew them down back in January 

Thankfully the community pulled through. Not only was Mr Peppit's fence fixed by Mark Neilson from MB builders, but the wood was supplied by Jewsons on the Granby trading estate in Weymouth and his shed was painted by the folks at Steve Bowditch Landscaping. Not to mention the Co-op in Weston donating flowers for the garden and tours of Portland by Tony Charlton on his trishaw bike.

The fence was fixed on Saturday, August 13, but unfortunately Mr Peppit was unable to see it in person as he was ill in the hospital and died slightly more than a month later on Thursday, September 15 at 3.45pm.

His daughter-in-law Sharon Parrott says that he was pleased to know his property was in good condition and comforted in his final moments by the community spirit and warmth of character that was shown to him.

Sharon Parrott said: "It was important to him that his house was in order before he passed away. I showed him the photographs from the hospital, he was just so happy, so pleased.

"We received lots of support from the local people and thank you to everyone who came together and showed the community spirit and warmth to fulfil my father in laws dying wish."

Sharon also wanted to thank Darren from AG Down Funeral directors in Bridport for their help.