Francis Peters' Inspirational Fundraising

A devoted husband has donated thousands of pounds Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity after his wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer just weeks after the birth of their miracle child.

Francis Peters has so far raised £7,600 for Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity, which will go towards the small grants scheme and the hospital’s Cancer Research Centre, both of which are supported by the charity.

The 37 year-old raised the money by taking part in a 10k run in Derby and he has now vowed to continue his fundraising efforts for the charity.

Pictured: Francis with wife Kerry and daughter Freya

Francis’ wife, Kerry, aged 31, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2006 and underwent chemotherapy at Weston Park Hospital, before going into remission.

After her treatment in 2006, the couple, who live in Chesterfield, were told that the chemotherapy could affect the likelihood of them being able to conceive. However, in 2008, Kerry discovered she was pregnant with daughter Freya, now one.

But it was when Freya was born that doctors discovered Kerry’s cancer had returned and this time it had spread to her uterus, liver, lungs and abdomen. Four weeks after Freya’s birth, the family were told the devastating news that the cancer was incurable.

Francis said: “After Kerry’s treatment in 2006 was successful, we had put the cancer behind us. But our world was turned upside down when doctors told Kerry that the cancer had returned but this time it was terminal.”

“Immediately after the diagnosis I went into denial, as I didn’t want to believe it was happening. But now I have come to terms with the prognosis and I now want to turn a horrible situation into something positive and raise money for something that will help others in the future. It’s now about moving forward and making the most out of the time we have left together.”

Kerry, a development manager, has been undergoing further chemotherapy treatment at Weston Park, giving the family some hope that her life will be prolonged.

Francis, a production manager at Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, added: “The care we have received at Weston Park Hospital has been second to none and I can’t thank staff enough. Although there is nothing they can do to cure Kerry, their level of expertise is incredible and we are very lucky to have such highly trained specialists on our doorstep.

“When you are a patient or the family of a patient receiving treatment, you spend a lot of time at the hospital so it is often the little things used to make it feel more homely that can make the world of difference, which is why I wanted half of the money to go to the small grants scheme. The Cancer Research Centre is also important as the hope is that one day a cure will for cancer will be found.

“The fundraising team at the Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity are an inspiration and they have been so supportive of us since Kerry’s diagnosis. I want to continue to raise funds for the charity to ensure they can continue to fund the work of the hospital and hopefully one day find a cure for the disease which is affecting so many people in the world today.”

Catherine Newman, senior fundraiser at Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity, said: “The Cancer Research Centre is a vital part of the hospital and the small grants scheme helps to find ways to make a difference to the patient experience.

“Francis and his family and friends have been incredibly generous since Kerry’s diagnosis and we are very grateful for their continued support.”

Francis' next challenge is an 'adventure race' which is a mixture of trail running, mountain biking and kayaking in Cannock Chase.

To support him, please visit:

www.justgiving.com/Francisadventurerace