A DORKING woman is planning a fundraising event in honour of her terminally ill husband, after he was diagnosed with cancer in 2010.
Lynda Wodehouse plans to stage a rock 'n' roll charity night to raise awareness of mesothelioma – a rare cancer associated with prolonged exposure to asbestos – as her husband Martin suffers from the disease.
Riverside resident Mr Wodehouse, 64, was diagnosed with the condition – caused after he was exposed to asbestos in 1967 – in May 2010.
The couple are fundraising for Mesothelioma UK, which provides information, care and support to sufferers, and the Hampshire Asbestos Support and Awareness Group (Hasag).
"We're really hoping to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos and of mesothelioma, as well as collect as much money as possible," said Linda, 63.
"Obviously that is very important to both of us."
Grandfather-of-four Mr Wodehouse will also be taking part in a sponsored walk organised by Hasag on Hayling Island a couple of days before the event.
He has been in contact with the group since his diagnosis.
"They have been amazing," he said.
Between two boughts of chemotherapy in September 2011, he completed a 67-mile walk around the Isle of Wight coast in aid of the charity, which took four-and-a-half days.
"That was a struggle and the weather was terrible, but I was really proud to complete it," he said.
His efforts have already raised more than £2,000 for the charity.
Mr Wodehouse worked as a police officer in Surrey until his retirement, beginning in Leatherhead in 1971.
The couple have lived in Dorking since 1971 and have been married for 43 years, producing two sons and four granddaughters, the eldest of whom lives with them.
Mrs Wodehouse has also organised a coffee morning and table sale to take place at the community centre in Pixham Lane on February 23 from 10am to 1pm, and will be fundraising outside Sainsbury's in Dorking this Saturday.
The event, which will take place at Dorking Halls on March 22, will feature West End performer Billy Geraghty singing show songs and BBC Surrey presenter Mark Carter as MC.
Tickets for the show, a two-course meal and a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses, cost £40 from the Dorking Halls box office. Call 01306 881717 or visit www.dorkinghalls.co.uk
For further information or to sponsor the event, e-mail l.wodehouse@talk21.com
