Community 'pulling together' to help dad with cancer

Thousands of pounds raised to help a self-employed man going through treatment for leukaemia shows how well regarded he is, his best friend has said.

James Hancock, 43, from Barlaston, Staffordshire, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in October after cuts on his hand that were not healing, feeling tired and noticing a swelling on his neck.

Almost £9,000 has been raised in under two months to help the father-of-two, who does patio and driveway work.

"He knows a lot of people, everyone has got a lot of time for him, it goes a long way, doesn't it," said Matt Gee who started the online appeal.

"The last thing you want to be worrying about is money when you are ill," said Mr Gee, explaining that Mr Hancock works for himself alongside his 18-year-old son Reuben, and the 43-year-old's girlfriend Tallulah is on maternity leave following the birth of baby boy Beau.

There was never a good time to be diagnosed with cancer, but this was even worse, said his best friend, who cannot believe how well the appeal has done.

In addition to financial donations, people have been taking food to him in hospital.

"When things like this happen, everybody just pulls together without a question," said Mr Gee.

There has been a quiz night, an auction at Tittensor Village Hall, and there is going to be a race night at Barlaston Cricket Club, with plans to donate money to blood cancer charity DKMS, he said.

Somebody also baked a cake, and sold slices in the pub, raising £500, "so it's all adding up."

"We just want to see him out of hospital," added his best friend.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.