A DARWEN man has responded to his father’s tragic diagnosis with terminal cancer by doing all that he can to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support with a 24-hour sponsored video gaming stream.

Benjamin Coker’s father Edward, 59, was diagnosed with stage four cancer two years ago and told that he had only 3-5 years to live.

Following the shattering news Edward and wife Carol, of Shorey Bank Way, Darwen, were determined to make each day count, while Benjamin, 28, for his part was determined to do whatever he could to help people in a similar situation.

Benjamin said: "In 2019 me and two friends raised over £800 in a charity golf day, and I was wondering what I could do next and I came across a friend doing this.

"I have always loved gaming and had my eye on starting my own stream, to do a 24 hour charity stream for my chosen charity seems like somewhere to start!"

Benjamin, who lives in Brighton Terrace, Darwen with his wife of two years Katrina, is the youngest of Edward and Carol’s three children, after sisters Samantha and Lisa who is pregnant with their grandchild.

The golfing challenge was also in aid of MacMillan and Benjamin has now been racking up sponsorships more than £300 worth of sponsorships while playing Call of Duty, FIFA and much more on his PlayStation 4.

For Benjamin helping others has been the best way of showing how much he loves his dad.

He said: "My Dad is my best friend and I am willing to do anything for him, so I’ll start off by doing this charity stream!"

Mum Carol said: “When his dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer it was all quite touch and go but Benjamin’s been doing his fundraising for two years now and I’m really proud of him to be honest.”

She added: “He cares a lot about his dad, so he does a lot for him, especially now, but they still have a lot of banter between them!”

Not one to rest on his laurels, Benjamin is already planning next year’s fundraising event along with friends and sister Lisa’s boyfriend.

Carol said: “There’s a lot of people talking about how they want to take part and he’s already thinking about sky diving!”

Find Benjamin’s page at McMillan game heroes: https://gameheroes.macmillan.org.uk/fundraising/mrbencoker.