A WOMAN whose dad died of cancer is undertaking a series of fundraising activities to raise awareness after her husband was also diagnosed with the same disease.

The Comet: Chris and Cheryl Childs at the coffee morningChris and Cheryl Childs at the coffee morning (Image: Archant)

Cheryl Childs, 53, from Stevenage lost her 73-year-old father John Head to oesophageal cancer five years ago and faced the same nightmare again after her husband Chris was also diagnosed 18 months ago.

Recognising the same symptoms she saw with her father, Cheryl urged Chris, 64, to visit his GP.

Subsequently he underwent chemotherapy and a 10-and-a-half hour operation to remove the tumour and is now in recovery.

“A year on I have decided to help raise funds to repay all the support given,” said Cheryl, who is raising money for The Oesophageal Patients Association, which helps those affected by oesophageal cancer.

“I felt I needed to raise funds for a great cause so I started by doing a raffle and called local companies, who I can’t thank enough for the very kind donations they have given me.”

Prizes included a signed football from Stevenage Football Club, a voucher from the Ivy Florist in Stevenage, a two-course meal at The Highwayman in Graveley and a free back massage at Stevenage beauty salon enVious. The salon in Mobbsbury Way also agreed to host a coffee morning and book sale for Cheryl last week, where the prizes were raffled, which raised more than £900 for the charity.

Cheryl has set her sights on raising £3,000 and is holding a garage sale at her home in Sheepcroft Hil from 12.30pm to 4.30pm on May 24.

Another fundraiser at the Pig and Whistle pub in Aston is also being held on Saturday, July 20, from 2pm and 5pm, with tickets priced at £5.

For more information on either events call Cheryl on 07837 561012 or email cherylchilds@hotmail.co.uk

To make a donation to the cause visit www.justgiving.com/cheryl-childs