A BEREAVED husband who tragically lost his wife to cancer is determined to help other people avoid similar fates with a charity car auction.

When Liz Rigby, from Clitheroe was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 she initially responded positively to treatment, including mastectomy surgery which removed the tumour.

However, her and husband James’ relief was short lived when Liz developed cancer in her lungs and bones which, despite chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, claimed her life the week before her 40th birthday.

Mr Rigby, 43, said: “Liz was the kind of person who lit up the room, she had so much love to give.

“We were together for nearly twenty years and she was such a bubbly, happy and very active person.

“We both loved the great outdoors and exploring the countryside together.

"We made memories that I’ll treasure forever.”

James and Liz Rigby first met as students at the Harper Adams University in Newport and moved to Clitheroe together to work in the rural business sector.

Now, Mr Rigby is hoping to honour his wife’s memory by raising money for cancer research by auctioning off her beloved BMW 320D M Sport Touring, which is in excellent condition and which he hopes will raise around £10,000 to help more people survive the disease.

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He said: “The BMW was Liz’s pride and joy, she even named her ‘Lola’.

“I’m sure she would be proud to see the car go to a good home and raise some money in the process.

“It’s motivating to know that the funds we raise from selling the car will help Cancer Research UK to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”

Mr Rigby hopes that though Liz may be gone, part of her legacy can be about continuing to help others.

He said: “To lose Liz at such a young age was absolutely devastating, it’s something I wouldn’t wish on anybody.

“But it’s important to look to the future.

“Because of our experience, I want to do whatever I can to make sure that more people are able to survive this disease and that’s why I’ve decided to auction the car for charity."

Vikki Bassek, Cancer Research UK’s local fundraising manager for Lancashire, was thrilled to receive such support.

She said: “We are honoured that James has chosen to support Cancer Research UK with the charity auction.

“We can’t thank him enough for his support and would like to encourage people across the North West to check out the listing and place their bids, it’s for such an important cause.”

She added: “Over 40,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the North West and we are absolutely determined to continue creating better cancer treatments for the future.

“Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on every pound raised.

"With the help of people like James we believe that together we will still beat cancer.”

The auction is live until Wednesday November 26, to take part go to: https://ebay.us/RbH1lZ.