A busker wowed hospital staff with an impromptu performance in the car park – to comfort a friend going through chemotherapy.
Steve Vincent, 26, was diagnosed with lung cancer a month ago – the fourth time he has had the disease.
He is currently receiving treatment in hospital but is unable to have visitors because of the coronavirus pandemic.
However, this didn’t stop musician pal Michael MacDonald, 30 – who struck upon the idea of playing a gig outside the health centre.
The professional singer performed for nearly three hours to support Steve – and was so good he has been asked back by staff.
Steve said: “Because of Covid-19, chemotherapy is not really big at the moment, they don’t want a lot of people in there, no one is allowed to come and see you.
“I was really isolated, when I spoke to him that morning, I was really upset because I’m not allowed anyone with me, and I’m not allowed out of the room.
“So, I was just in bed and I heard my name through the window, I looked out and he started singing for me. It’s mental and it was heartbreaking.
“He’s just an absolute legend, it was aimed at me, but it wasn’t just for me, he cheered up all the NHS staff.”
Steve, who left the the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, Oxon on April 19, captured the performance during a Facebook Live session, which has got more than 16,000 views.
He added: “I’m in for my next treatment on May 4, so some members of the staff asked me if I can ask him to come back in and do another one for them.”
Michael said: “Steve has been through this a lot – but it’s been the very first time that no one has been able to be there with him.
“I thought that there was definitely something I could do to help.”
“I got my equipment out of the car, I started playing, and he came to the window, but it wasn’t just him.
“There were a dozen nurses, and all the different patients came to the window, for a time like this where everyone is in isolation. It was wonderful.
“I went there to play for my friend Steve, and I was able to cheer up many other people, so it was a wonderful thing to be able to do it.
“I stayed there until 8pm. I initially went there to play for 20 minutes but when I started playing nurses and other patients asked me to stay because it was the NHS clap.”
The two friends met in 2012 while Michael was street performing in Swindon, Wilts.
Michael said: “I bumped into Steve and exchanged my number and details, so it was just a very random thing when I met him.
“Ever since then our relationship has grown and got stronger. He’s come to lots of my different gigs.
“Steve is a very good friend of mine, he holds a very special place in my heart and always will be. He means the absolute world to me.”
Steve’s sister Michelle Millard, 30, added: “What Michael did for Steve was amazing.
“It really touched my heart that he’s done something so wonderful to make Steve’s time a little easier.
“The world is a better place with people like Michael in it and it’s nice to know that Steve is surrounded by such wonderful people at this really difficult time.”
Michael is now planning to return this evening to play for the hospital and take part in #clapforourcarers.