A FRIENDSHIP rekindled at a staff reunion has given a terminally-ill man a new focus to leave a legacy in his name.

Steve Blake has set up a fundraising group with former colleagues at Bicester’s Bruce Engineering following the reunion last October.

The 58-year-old was given six months to live in October 2010 after his cancer, which started in his bowel, spread.

He met former colleagues to mark the 20th anniversary of the closure of the Bessemer Close firm.

Together with Bill Foley and Dave Powell he plans to organise events to raise cash for Cancer Research UK and Oxford’s Sobell House hospice.

Mr Blake, of Barratts Row, Wendlebury, said: “It has given me a focus.

“I can’t thank my colleagues enough – we hadn’t worked together for 20 years and they have really got behind this.

“It puts your faith back in human nature.”

He said: “Bruce Engineering was like a family, it was a very friendly factory.”

Mr Blake who joined Bruce in 1970 as an apprentice tool maker and stayed until its closure, said: “We have more or less adopted Cancer Research UK and Sobell House as our charities. Sobell House has been absolutely fantastic to me and my wife Mag.” Last year’s reunion raised £1,100 for Cancer Research UK and another reunion next month will be open to all.

Mr Powell, 69, of Bernwood Road, Bicester, a quality manager at the firm for almost 30 years, said: “Steve has had setbacks but has remained very positive indeed and wants to make sure of a legacy when his time comes. He wants a programme for us for the rest of this year and into the next.

“Steve is not afraid to talk about his struggle with cancer and has certainly educated me in the help that is available.

“I hope to be of support to sufferers when Steve is no longer with us.”

A disco and buffet will be held at Highfield Social Club, George Street, Bicester, on Friday, July 6, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £5 and are available from Mr Blake on 01869 320139, Mr Foley on 01869 244387 or Mr Powell on 01869 601373.