Christchurch husband David Wellings undertakes sponsored slimathon to shed six stone and raise money for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation

A CHRISTCHURCH man whose wife has been diagnosed with cancer is undertaking a sponsored slimathon to shed six stone and raise money for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation.

David Wellings (52) who weighs 20st 10.5lbs was devastated when wife Paula was told she had breast cancer in July last year. Since then, she has completed five rounds of chemotherapy.

He said: “It has been a terrible shock for her. She is now waiting for a surgery date to undergo a mastectomy.

“Before starting chemo she did the Brave the Shave event for Macmillan and raised over £1,700 for the charity.

“I just want to show her how much we all love and admire her and as I have wanted to lose weight for ages, I thought I would challenge myself and try to help a local charity at the same time.”

The DCCF gives financial help to local cancer patients for accommodation, equipment, childcare, and counselling. In the past year, the charity has seen calls for its assistance double due to the cost-of-living crisis.

David, who works as a maintenance surveyor for Sovereign Housing Association in Christchurch, said: “It’s a great charity doing such important work, and if I can raise some money for them, plus lose weight and be healthier for the future, then everyone wins.”

Assisted-living manager Paula (48) said she is “proud” of her husband, adding: “Cancer is frightening and it’s a scary time. But I can’t speak highly enough of the NHS staff who are treating me. David, our four children and our family and friends are also being wonderfully supportive.

“David’s Slimathon will be a welcome distraction and I’m going to encourage him as much as possible to watch what he eats and to get on our treadmill!

“We will also be charting his progress on his JustGiving page and hope people will give generously knowing all the money will be going to Dorset families who really need it.”

Eve Went, co-founder of the DCCF said: “We are so thankful to Paula and David for thinking of the DCCF when they are going through so much themselves.”

To sponsor David visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/davidandpaula