CRUDWELL could have new tennis courts and a five-a-side football pitch by 2004, thanks to the last wish of mother-of-two Rebecca Thomson, who died earlier this year from a brain tumour.

Mrs Thomson, of Kings Meadow, Crudwell, died in her sleep at Malmesbury Hospital on March 25 aged 39, after contracting a rare form of the disease. She left a widower Simon, 40, and children Alex, 12, and Anna, nine.

Mr Thomson, who still lives in Kings Meadow, said he and his wife enjoyed playing tennis and she wanted to give something back to the community.

One of her final wishes was that he make a donation to start a fund to build tennis courts and recreation facilities for young people in Crudwell.

"Rebecca was particularly thinking of young people when she thought of the project, because there is nothing for the teenage group at the moment," said Mr Thomson.

He has gone on to help form the Crudwell Recreation Group, which has five members. They are aiming to raise enough money to build two tennis courts that could also be used for basketball, netball and five-a-side football on the recreation field next to the village hall.

Through fundraising and donations, as well the gift from Mr Thomson, the group has raised about £5,000.

Mr Thomson, who in June 2001 completed a 900-mile cycle ride from Land's End to John O'Groats with his brother to raise £20,000 for cancer research, said the recreation group needs to accumulate £50,000, and is aiming to complete the project by early 2004.

The father-of-two, who works for a Swindon-based mobile phone firm, has returned to work since his wife's death, employing a nanny to look after Alex and Anna out of school.

"It's been very difficult, but one of the things that the recreation project has done is help keep me busy," said Mr Thomson. "I have been able to focus on something positive and work towards something Rebecca wanted to achieve."

He said Alex, who is a pupil at Malmesbury School, and Anna, who goes to Crudwell School, have coped quite well since March.

"Most of the time they are fine, and very resilient children tend to be that way," he added.

Mrs Thomson was told after collapsing at home in August 2000 that she had a rare type of brain tumour.

She underwent surgery as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but early last year her eyesight began to fail.

In October she said, in an interview with the Gazette: "Losing your sight is a hell of a thing to adjust to, even trying to eat is difficult. Everything from getting dressed to writing has taken on new meaning."

Mr Thomson said the recreation group was applying for funding from North Wiltshire District Council, The Countryside Agency and the lottery.

In addition, a fun run for all ages takes place around the village playing field on September 29.

"We will keep trying until we get the funding to make it happen," said Mr Thomson. "We have only been going three months and we have raised £5,000."

He said the group has the backing of Crudwell Parish Council, and a survey among youngsters in the village has revealed support for the scheme.

The other members of the recreation group are Jo England, of Eastcourt, near Crudwell, Alan Smith, of Days Court, Crudwell, Geoff Brown, of Chelworth, and Annie Smith, of Kings Meadow, Crudwell.

To find out more, or to make a donation, call Mr Thomson on (01666) 577983.