A WOMAN whose husband died of a brain tumour marked his birthday by raising hundreds of pounds for the charity that nursed him through his final months.
Paul Tunstall was diagnosed with a brain tumour in December 2003.
The Darlington father-of-two had two operations and chemotherapy treatment, but after fighting the disease for twoand- a-half years, died last September.
Yesterday, on what would have been his 42nd birthday, his widow, Jillian, and two children, Amy, aged three, and four-yearold Lewis, joined hundreds of people at the Macmillan Cancer Support Toddle sponsored walk in the town's South Park.
Mrs Tunstall, 28, took part to say thank you to the charity's staff who helped her late husband.
"I would like to share Paul's story so other people realise the kind of support Macmillan can provide," said Mrs Tunstall, who lives in Grainger Street.
"One lady in particular - Gillian Hendry, a Macmillan nurse who was based at James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough - did so much for us.
"She phoned every week to see how Paul was doing, and if we had any questions, she would always help.
"At the time, both my children were in nappies, so I couldn't work and neither could Paul because of his tumour.
"We were trying to get by on £50 a week, but Gillian told us we could be elligible for a grant.
"She was able to get things moving and provided both financial and emotional support. She was fantastic."
Mr Tunstall worked in a Darlington packaging factory and the Safeway supermarket before becoming ill.
After his diagnosis, he held regular charity events, raising thousands of pounds for Macmillan.
"Paul never let his illness bother him," said Jillian.
"He was quite well known in Darlington. He liked a bit of banter and loved his football. He was always the life and soul of the party."
The Macmillan Toddle was one of several sponsored walks in the country for the charity's Walk Wonders campaign.
The next walk takes place on Sunday, May 20 along Hadrian's Wall. To find out more, visit www.macmillan.org.uk or phone 01325-370870.
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