A Carterton family has raised more than £6,000 for charity after feeling the full impact of cancer.

Phil Hatton, of Corbett Road, described the moment he discovered his 16-year-old son Jack had leukaemia as “shattering”.

But, just eight months later in a cruel twist of fate, his wife Sheila was told she was suffering from breast cancer.

Mr Hatton said Jack had become ill in November 2006.

After several trips to see his doctor, finally came the unexpected news.

Jack, 14 at the time, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

Mr Hatton, 53, said: “We did not expect it to be leukaemia. We were devastated and shattered. It was truly awful to hear.”

After coming to terms with Jack’s diagnosis in January 2007, Mrs Hatton then discovered a lump in her left breast.

She went to the doctors and was referred to a consultant who gave her the devastating news that she had breast cancer.

Mr Hatton, director of Cotswold Garden Buildings, said: “Just when we had come to terms with Jack, we were told Sheila has breast cancer.

“I didn’t know where we were going.”

Mrs Hatton, 52, a civil servant at RAF Brize Norton, had the cancerous lump removed at the Churchill Hospital, in Oxford.

She has since undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy and has just finished a course of Herceptin.

She said: “The medical care both Jack and I have received has been absolutely fantastic.

“It was a shock at first, but life throws these things at you and you have to get on and deal with them.”

Jack, who was treated with various courses of chemotherapy at the Oxford Children’s Hospital, at the John Radcliffe in Oxford, missed 18 months of school and was unable to take his GCSE examinations.

He is currently undergoing monthly hospital visits and treatment to control the leukaemia.

Jack is aiming to go back to college to take his exams.

Mrs Hatton has finished her treatment and is taking Arimidex, a hormonal therapy drug.

Mr Hatton, who has two other sons Matthew, 25, and Wayne, 24, organised a race night with friend Chris Whelan, last November. More than 250 people attended and helped raise £6,050 for Clic Sargent, which has supported the Hatton family over the past two years.

Mr Hatton recently presented the cheque to Clic’s community fundraising manager Emily Lever.

She said: “It’s a huge amount of money and I think it’s such an inspiring story. The Hattons have been through such a lot. Everyone can learn something from them.”

“I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved in fundraising for CLIC.”

For details call 01865 761761 or email emily.lever@clicsargent.org.uk