A KIND-hearted cancer sufferer put his own needs aside to help someone who he has said is more worthy.

Bob Howarth, from Huncoat, has donated £5,500 to a Haslingden mum fighting terminal cancer who is raising money to prolong her life with pioneering treatment abroad.

The 57-year-old property developer said he was saddened to read 28-year-old Gemma Nuttall’s story in the Lancashire Telegraph.

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He said: “I read Gemma’s story and wanted to do something.

“I said ‘I know I can do more than send her £50 so I got together and arranged the fundraiser.”

Mr Howarth’s son John also arranged a raffle for a Caribbean cruise to be won at the event held at The Victoria pub in Manchester Road, Accrington.

“We all got together and sold tickets for the raffle and we were hoping to raise £1,500 for Gemma and we were all in shock when we realised we hit the £5,000 mark. I have a big circle of friends and they all showed their support, too.” said Mr Howarth.

Despite receiving treatment at The Christie in Manchester the dad-of-two said Gemma deserved the money to make more memories with her toddler Penelope.

He said: “My kids are 33 and 31 and it was hard enough telling them even though they are grown up.

“Gemma has a little girl who is much younger than mine.

“I wanted the money to be raised to help her get some more time with her daughter. I wanted her to get to Germany for treatment.

“If it’s five years it’s an extra five years to treasure and she deserves that.”

After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer during her 12-week scan Gemma decided to carry on with her pregnancy despite being given the option to terminate and start treatment immediately.

Gemma’s mum Helen Sproates, launched the fundraising campaign after her daughter found out her condition was terminal.

She said: “This is such an amazing donation and Gemma and I can’t describe how overwhelmed we are from the people who have helped so far.

“We want to say a huge thanks to everybody who are continuing to help us. So thank you.”