TERMINAL illness affects only some of us physically, but it affects us all emotionally.

This is a message shared by mum Shirley Jones, whose son Adam was diagnosed with cancer in four different places in his body.

Adam, 44, from Colchester, was diagnosed about a year ago, but with the help of Colchester General Hospital staff he has somehow coped.

To repay the staff, Mrs Jones and her husband, Eddie, held a joint 70th birthday party and raised £1, 500 for Colchester Hospitals Charity’s Cancer Centre Campaign.

About 130 party guests took part in a birthday raffle to raise the funds, which were presented to staff at the hospital.

Mrs Jones said: “Adam is just so strong with it, he is really good and takes every day as it comes.

“The staff have just been marvellous. We had a look around the radiotherapy suite and it is wonderful.

“When people hear the word cancer you would be surprised at how many people step up to the mark. The party was really good and we were really pleased with how much was raised although it took us both about a week to get over it.”

The Colchester Hospitals Charity project, which is supported by the Gazette, will bring together chemotherapy, haematology and radiotherapy alongside an unique wellness centre at the Turner Road site.

The deadline for fundraising is in February and there is still about £500,000 left to raise.

Head of fundraising for CoHoC, Caroline Bates, said: “It was a pleasure to meet Shirley and Adam and to receive such an amazing donation.

“We are always touched by the generosity of people who support the campaign through their donations and support.”

Hundreds of Santas also helped raise £10,000 for the appeal during a snowy fun run in Castle Park.

Another huge donation of £10,800 was also raised from the campaign’s Starlight Walk and Starlight Ball.

More than 120 people took part in the annual walk and a cheque was handed over to hospital staff.

The deadline for fundraising is February.

To donate to the Gazette-backed appeal, text Gaze11 £10 to 70070, or another amount.

Alternatively, visit www.cohoc.org.uk for more information.