AFTER her brother was diagnosed with cancer Donna Heaton-Patient knew she had to give back to a cause close to the family’s hearts.

Last month the 38-year-old hosted a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan, alongside her brother Kevin, aged 43, who was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in April, this year.

Usually taking place on September 27, the siblings coffee morning was held on August 24 as it would have been a weekend of celebration with Kevin going on holiday, but he was advised not to go due to high insurance costs.

Donna said: “It has been quite difficult for our family because Kevin has been having chemotherapy and immunotherapy every two weeks and he finished three weeks ago, and it is now a waiting game to see if has actually worked.”

She added: “As a family we have stuck together and helped each other where we can.”

And the family and friends came together to enjoy the fundraiser at the Station Inn, Andover, raising £1,800 for the cancer support charity through a raffle in which a signed Derby County was donated and a Lifestyle Card — both of which went for big money.

There was also a guess the name of the teddy game, and the pair’s brother Justin had his chest waxed after he was volunteer by his wife for a £100 donation.

And for those with a sweet tooth there were cakes galore, donated by businesses and made by the family.

Donna said: “The day was quite emotional, but it was busy, the pub was not only full with friends and family but also people who were drinking there.”

The family have thanked the staff and locals at the Station Inn for their support with the coffee morning, for offering a venue and donating to Macmillan.