Man launches charity ‘Slim-athon” in support of wife battling breast cancer.

David Harris Wellings from Christchurch has embarked on a charity Slim-athon in support of his wife Paula who is fighting breast cancer.

David, 52, who works as a Maintenance Surveyor for Sovereign Housing Association in Christchurch, aims to shed six stones from his starting weight of 20st 10.5lbs, and is asking people to sponsor him with all proceeds going to the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

He explained: “Paula was diagnosed with cancer in July and has now completed five rounds of chemotherapy to shrink a 10cm tumour in her breast. It has been a terrible shock for her and us all, but she is facing it with such strength.

“She is now waiting for a surgery date to undergo a mastectomy and the removal of lymph nodes from under her right arm.

“Before starting chemo she did the Brave the Shave event for Macmillan and raised over £1700 for the charity.

“I just want to show her how much we all love and admire her and as I have wanted to lose weight for ages, I thought I would challenge myself and try to help a local charity at the same time.”

The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation gives financial assistance to local cancer patients, many of whom are facing extreme hardship. DCCF non-repayable grants can meet the cost of accommodation and bills, specialist equipment, childcare, and counselling.

In the past year, the charity has seen calls for its assistance double due to the cost-of-living crisis.

David said: “It’s a great charity doing such important work and if I can raise some money for them, plus lose weight and be healthier for the future, then everyone wins.”

Assisted Living Manager Paula, 48, said she is proud of her husband.

“Cancer is frightening and it’s a scary time. But I can’t speak highly enough of the NHS staff who are treating me. David, our four children and our family and friends are also being wonderfully supportive.

“I know I am very lucky to have found the cancer myself and acted on it. Scans have also revealed it thankfully hasn’t spread anywhere else.

“David’s Slim-athon will be a welcome distraction and I’m going to encourage him as much as possible to watch what he eats and to get on our treadmill!

“We will also be charting his progress on his JustGiving page and hope people will give generously knowing all the money will be going to Dorset families who really need it.”

Eve Went, co-founder of The DCCF said: “We are so thankful to Paula and David for thinking of the DCCF when they are going through so much themselves.

“We are very much looking forward to seeing David’s progress and wish this amazing family all the best in the coming months. Our supporters and fundraisers are what make the DCCF so wonderful, and we are grateful to have them on board.”

David Harris Wellings can be sponsored via his JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/davidandpaula