Paul Walker presents his gift
HE is losing his own fight with cancer, but selfless Paul Walker is making sure others get the help they need.
Just two months later his world collapsed when doctors gave him the devastating news it was inoperable.
He had nowhere to turn, but after being pointed in the direction of South Shields-based charity Cancer Connections, Mr Walker has had support and regular therapy treatments.
Now the taxi driver has decided to show his gratitude by handing over £2,500 of his own money.
Mr Walker, who has six sisters and two brothers, has been in and out of hospital – Sunderland Royal, South Tyneside District and St Clare’s Hospice, in Jarrow, – since he was diagnosed.
He said: “I have met some absolutely fantastic people. I popped in for a cup of tea and there and then sorted out some therapy.
“I had never heard of Cancer Connections before, but they have been great.
“I’m just happy to be able to help people with the same thing, and hopefully give them a better quality of life.”
Sister Margaret Ridley, 51, added: “He’s the bravest brother ever and we all love him to bits. He’s the rock of our family.”
The charity is in the final straight of its £350,000 target to buy a four-bedroom bungalow in Harton Lane, South Shields.
The Gazette’s Quids In campaign has been helping raise the final £50,000 – and is now just £8,000 off.
And Mr Walker’s donation has been earmarked for the refurbishment of the new therapy rooms once the property has been bought.
Therapist Carole Tarbet has been regularly visiting his home giving reiki and massage treatments.
Mr Walker said: “She’s been really helpful – like my own personal therapist. I’m just pleased the money is going to such a good cause.
“I’ve been to see the house and it’s going to be spot on for them.”
Mrs Ridley, a mum-of-two from Boldon, added: “It’s a really good cause and I’m pleased that he’s pleased to be helping them.
“You can really see the difference when Carole’s been. It gives him a new lease of life.
“He’s been really brave and strong, and has just thought about all of us.”
Mr Walker is also giving £2,500 to his church, St Nicholas’s in West Boldon.
The church in Rectory Bank held a confirmation ceremony for Mr Walker on Saturday.
Cancer Connections co-founder Deborah Roberts said: “Paul is such a lovely person and this donation is a lovely thought, but I wish it was in better circumstances.
“He has asked for it to go to the therapy rooms which will be a lasting memory of the wonderful person Paul is.”
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