David Barnes is determined not to let a rare form of cancer stop him from being able to help fellow sufferers.

The 49-year-old was diagnosed with myeloma, also known as bone marrow cancer.

He, with his wife Shirley, of Kirklea in Little Broughton, will hold a raffle next month to raise money for Myeloma UK.

There is currently no cure for myeloma.

Shirley, 54, said: "They would not accept my blood so I thought about what else I could do. 

"Not a lot of people know about bone marrow cancer and I found out that every year around 4,000 people are diagnosed in the UK.

"David's got two transplants to come up so it's not easy. There's no cure for myeloma, but they can try to make you live longer and give you a better quality of life."

David has spent time in the Henderson Suite at West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven, and had to go to Newcastle for a stem cell harvest.

He experiences tiredness, fatigue and pains and has had more than 100 injections.

He has still been going to work at Iggesund Paperboard at Siddick, Workington, and his relatively early diagnosis makes the condition more treatable.

David says: "I constantly went to work on paracetamol, but luckily my doctor thought outside the box. 

"The support has been absolutely phenomenal. I would say go to the doctors and report your problems. 

"If I hadn't reported mine where would I be?"

The couple have sold more than 3,000 tickets for the raffle and are hoping to raise £2,000.

More than 30 businesses have offered prizes and Manchester United Football Club also sent a signed item.

Their son Rikki ran the Great North Run for the charity and raised £2,000 while Cockermouth School will hold a non-uniform day.

Shirley adds: "We're strong. It's been overwhelming and everybody has been supportive."

The draw for the raffle will take place at 7pm at the Brewery House in Little Broughton on Wednesday, November 11.

For more information, call Shirley on 07842697437.