A cancer patient has raised over £1000 for The Queen Elizabeth Hospital - by asking for cash donations instead of birthday gifts.

Melvyn Fitzpatrick who was celebrating his 70th birthday, received a number of donations in aid of the Cancer Care and Treatment fund at the Kings Lynn hospital.

Mr Fitzpatrick who is currently receiving chemotherapy from the Macmillan centre, asked friends and family who came to the party – which was organised by his wife Val - to make a donation to the fund in place of birthday gifts.

The party was held in Leverington Sports and Social Club with a hog roast and raffle.

Melvyn said of his fundraising experience: “I have to thank my wife Val because she worked extremely hard organising the whole thing.

“I had never had a party like this, around 110 to 120 people came.

Arlene Parcon, Sister, said: “It’s a very fine gesture from our patient and it is really appreciated by the chemo staff.”