A man who started fundraising for cancer research after losing his wife and son to the disease has been forced to stop after being struck by the illness himself.
Ted Wheeler, 86, of Broadfields, Littlemore, Oxford, has raised thousands of pounds since his wife Margaret died at the age of 70, in 1988.
Ted Wheeler
His dedication continued following the death of his 52-year-old son Roy -- his only child -- three years later.
But now the retired printer has reluctantly given up voluntary work for Cancer Research UK, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones.
Mr Wheeler said: "My wife died of cancer of the liver, which had originally started in her eye, and my son died of skin cancer.
"You can't let that kind of thing stop you from doing things, and my fundraising has kept me going. I miss it terribly now."
Mr Wheeler started supporting Cancer Research UK when it was still called the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. He worked at the charity's second hand shop in Headington, and helped to set up new branches across the region. In 1991, he launched the Abingdon Friends fundraising committee, where he helped raise £50,000 in five years, through a range of activities including raft races and sponsored swims.
He went on to set up the Oxford Friends fundraising committee, which amalgamated with the Churchill Partners, who fundraise for the cancer unit at the Churchill Hospital, in Headington.
Since 1992, he has also sold tea and coffee at the unit, and has only had days off for holidays and when he broke his leg.
Although he continued his volunteer work after doctors told him he had prostate cancer in 2001, walking difficulties have finally forced him to give up.
He said: "I've gained enormous satisfaction from my time as a volunteer, making many friends among the patients.
"Volunteering has never been a chore to me. I have found it very rewarding," said Mr Wheeler.
"But I have to stand down now as with my own illness I feel I cannot be reliable."
Nicola Hunter, of Cancer Research UK, said Mr Wheeler was an invaluable volunteer and said the charity was desperate for a replacement.
Anyone who would like to become a volunteer can call Ms Hunter on 01865 716655.
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