Remembering Thomas Di Felice, as his Family name room 17
On the 15th December 2017 marking the eighth anniversary of his death Thomas Di Felice’s family gathered at the hospice to officially open a room in his memory.
Thomas was tragically killed in a car crash in December 2009 when he was just seventeen years old, bedroom 17 has now been named after him as a lasting legacy.
The fundraising began back in 2010 when Tommy’s family and friends donated money to the Hospices to launch Tommy D a bereavement group run by Woking & Sam Beare specifically for teenagers between ages 14-18.
Since then they have continued to fundraise in Thomas’s name and in November last year their Italian themed dinner dance raised an incredible £42,000.
Thomas was an Arsenal fan and a member of Woking FC’s youth team and the plaque outside the room was unveiled from under an Arsenal shirt by his Father Nick.
The plaque reads
Thomas, 17 years old.
Held for a little while, in our hearts forever.
Kind, handsome, affectionate, cheeky boy who touched people’s hearts.
Eternally grateful for everyone’s support
The balcony of the room was decorated with fairy lights and family and friends toasted Thomas’ memory with a glass of prosecco sharing their thanks to all involved in the fundraising over the years.
Nigel Harding former CEO of Woking & Sam Beare, who began the work with the family back in 2010, attended the ceremony where he thanked family and friends for their amazing generosity,
“We feel very proud today to be here to open up Bedroom 17 in memory of Thomas” Thomas’ aunt, Karoline Belvedere commented “We are overwhelmed by people’s generosity and what we have managed to reach today being able to open up this room with a beautiful plaque in Thomas’ memory that will be with us forever, and within the hospice.”
“On behalf of Woking & Sam Beare Hospice’s we would like to thank all the family and friends involved for their tremendous hard work and support over the years” commented Phil Wormley Director of Fundraising “What they have achieved is truly incredible and a fantastic legacy to Thomas”.
You can find out more about Tommy D here