Family devastated by cancer diagnosis try to help others

Francis Peters, who lives in Wingerworth, near Chesterfield, has so far raised 7,600 for the charity by taking part in a 10k run in Derby.

His wife Kerry Peters, 31, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2006 and underwent chemotherapy at Weston Park Hospital before going into remission.

After her treatment the couple were told the chemotherapy could affect the likelihood of them being able to conceive. In 2008, however, Mrs Peters discovered she was pregnant with daughter Freya, now one.

But, when Freya was born, doctors discovered Mrs Peters' cancer had returned and spread to her uterus, liver, lungs and abdomen. Four weeks after the birth, the family were told the devastating news the cancer was incurable.

Mr Peters, 37, said: "Our world was turned upside down. Immediately after the diagnosis I went into denial, as I didn't want to believe it was happening.

"But now I have come to terms with the prognosis and I now want to turn a horrible situation into something positive and raise money for something that will help others in the future."

Mrs Peters is due to undergo further chemotherapy at Weston Park this month. Her husband, a production manager at Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, said: "The care we have received at Weston Park Hospital has been second to none. Although there is nothing they can do to cure Kerry, their level of expertise is incredible and we are very lucky to have such highly-trained specialists on our doorstep."