A charity providing cancer patients with care has been given $100,000 from a grateful donor in memory of the compassionate spirit of his late wife.

James Mayer, whose wife, Becky, died in Florida of brain cancer less than two months ago, donated to Pals because of the dedicated care the organisation gives to patients battling the illness.

He explained: “In the last weeks, Becky needed 24-hour hospice care and my family and I could not have done it without that care.”

Although his wife did not receive help from the charity, Mr Mayer added: “I donated to Pals so that other people who don’t have money for hospice care can receive it.”

Mr Mayer, 89, lives in Bermuda part-time and met his wife of 40 years in Colombia, where they both come from.

Mrs Mayer was a professional photographer who also wrote a book on Eastern philosophy, Reflections on the Tao Te Ching.

Mr Mayer said he also contributed to Pals to honour Mrs Mayer’s selfless spirit.

“She was always promoting me to be kind and generous to people and that is also why I donated,” he explained.

Mr Mayer encouraged other wealthy people and corporations on the island to “pay it forward” and make similar contributions to charities.

He said: “I made my money the hard and honest way but I acknowledge that I have also been very lucky in my life, so I donate to give back to people who may not have been as fortunate in their lives.”

Colleen English DeGrilla, the executive director of Pals, was surprised by Mr Mayer’s “very generous donation”.

“Meeting Mr Mayer and learning about his life and also about Becky was especially uplifting. His philanthropic nature is heart-warming and his commitment to Bermuda is greatly inspiring,” she said.

“Pals was very pleased to accept Mr Mayer into our family and to accept his donation in memory of Becky and the care that she received during her time of need.

“Pals has supported the cancer patients of Bermuda for nearly 45 years. We never charge a patient or their family for the services that we provide.

“We receive no government grants and rely on donations such as this to continue our valuable work. Thank you Mr Mayer.”