Last updated at 12:19, Friday, 08 February 2013

John Charlton was determined to give something back after he recovered from cancer.

Margaret and John Charlton

But little did he know when he organised a fundraising event for charity that it would snowball into something huge.

Now he has been able to hand over almost £13,000.

John, 64, organised a celebration party with his wife Margaret after getting the all-clear from prostate cancer.

Friends, family and the community attended the fundraiser at Whitehaven Golf Club which raised a staggering £12,775 for Prostate Cancer UK.

The party for 240 people included three bands, a pie and pea supper, charity auction, raffle and tombola. Tickets were sold at £10 each, and people travelled from as far afield as Carlisle and Wigton.

“We just thought we’d plan a small celebration party,” said John, of Birks Road, Cleator Moor. “We never expected anything like this. It’s just snowballed. We just want to thank everyone for their generosity.”

For John, the celebration was also an opportunity to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

The cash was presented by the family to Jim Allan, chairman of North Cumbria Prostate Cancer Support Group.

Mr Allan said: “Mr and Mrs Charlton, their family and friends have raised a phenomenal amount for the charity research fund.

“It has been an inspirational effort on their part and much appreciated by Prostate Cancer UK. I was delighted to meet them and receive their donation.”

For more information about prostate cancer or to get help, go to www.prostatecanceruk.org. Help is available via a confidential helpline on 0800 074 8383.

Alternatively you can go to your GP surgery for information and advice.

For details about the North Cumbria Prostate Cancer Support Group, contact Jim on 01228 539510.

First published at 12:18, Friday, 08 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk