A former Whitehaven Amateurs FC manager was diagnosed with bowel cancer – the day after his wedding.

Paul Brown, 34, was rushed to hospital and required emergency surgery just two days after taking his vows in May.

Now, he and his wife, Joanne, are raising money for the charity which has helped them and say they are "overwhelmed'' by the support from family, friends and colleagues.

The couple, who have a 20-month-old son called Finlay, have organised a“Be Your Own Hero' family fun day to be held at Hensingham Rugby League Club on Saturday, November 26 from 12.30pm to 5pm.

It will raise money for the West Cumbria Hospice at Home which offers one-to-one support and complementary therapies.

Joanne said: "Paul’s cancer was discovered after he displayed acute symptoms relating to an abscess on his primary tumour. This beginning stage required lots of hospital stays, doctors, nurses and very severe symptoms.

“At the time it was uncertain he would even make it to the point of being able to undergo chemotherapy. We were completely overwhelmed by the level of generosity and support we received from family, friends and colleagues to help us through this.''

Colleagues at LLW Repository Ltd, near Drigg, where Paul is a self-employed project manager, generously raised £4,000 for the family in just eight weeks. This was as Paul's insurance payments did not begin until 12 weeks after his illness was diagnosed.

Joanne said: “We are usually very generous charity givers and we couldn’t quite get our heads round people wanting to help us. We realised we were extremely lucky to have this level of support - support that others may not be as fortunate enough to have available to them.

"This inspired us to try and help others in a similar situation.''

She said even with all the "amazing support'' the couple have found it "very difficult to manage everyday life with a young baby and the changes the cancer and treatment brought.

"The number of cancer patients is increasing, as is the ability to treat and manage it to give people a better life,'' Joanne added. “We are keen to make sure that the support to help people live through the treatment, the nasty side effects, the upheaval and the uncertainty also grows with these advances.”

Paul, who is back at work and continuing to receive treatment, said: "We are very, very lucky to have good colleagues and friends, but not everyone is as fortunate.''

The family fun day will include refreshments, a tombola and raffle for

adults and crafts, games, a magician, face painting and a visit from Santa.

Anyone interested in attending is asked to ring to reserve places for the children's events to avoid disappointment. They can contact Joanne on 07935283826 or by contacting West Cumbria Hospice at Home on 01900 873173.

Raffle tickets are also available, with 30 prizes offered including the chance to win use of an Audi TT for the weekend, courtesy of Carlisle Audi.

There is also the chance to make a donation to the fund or fund-raise for it in future.