THE family of a terminally ill man are giving something back to the hospice which is supporting them.

Norman Sparks, of Springfields, Basildon, was diagnosed with throat cancer in April 2014 and had six weeks of intensive radiotherapy treatment.

He was given the all-clear in December 2014.

However, the cancer returned in a month later.

Norman, 46, received chemotherapy soon after, only to be dealt a devastating blow in July.

Doctors told him his throat cancer was incurable, and he had only a couple of months to live.

Joanna Lucas, Norman’s sister, of Appletree Way, Wickford, said it had been a traumatic time for the family, but they were trying to remain strong.

The 41-year-old said: “It’s extremely hard for our parents.

Mum’s in her seventies and dad is in his eighties.

“For a parent to see their son go through this is very difficult, and we’re just trying to keep going.

“Norman is rallying and staying strong. He has done really well. We’re all proud of him.”

The illness has made talking painful or Norman, but he was able express the support he has received from Basildon’s St Luke’s Hospice.

He said: “I would be lost without St Luke’s. The help I’ve had is amazing.

“I was there for 10 days in August, with a pain score of more than 10. They managed to get it down to two. I don't know what I would do without them.”

To mark the care Norman has received, his family have organised a fundraiser for the hospice.

Having first-hand experience of the work the hospice does, Joanna said she recognised the pressures the hospice faced to keep operating.

She said: “St Luke’s has been fantastic and has supported my brother and our family so much.

“They need about £10,000-a-day to run. It’s not until you use the service that you can see just how good they are. It’ll be great to give something back.”

Norman’s charity fundraiser takes place at Partyman World of Play, Repton Close, Basildon on Friday, October 2, from 6.30pm until 8.30pm. Tickets cost £5.

For more information, contact Joanna on 07528 388728 or visit http://heyevent.uk/ and search for St Luke’s Hospice fundraiser.