A FAMILY hit twice by cancer has raised enough money for a charity to send another family on holiday.

Carolyn and Jason Mann, of Spennymoor, County Durham, wanted to raise funds for Sara’s Hope Foundation to thank them for support they received when their son Joshua was unwell.

The family enjoyed a break at the charity’s retreat in Crete after Middlestone Moor Primary School pupil Joshua was diagnosed with bone cancer when he was four.

The youngster, now ten, had a leg amputated and has since learnt to walk with a prosthetic.

Mrs Mann, who had an operation earlier this month after being diagnosed with breast cancer in June, said: “When we were able to go to Crete it was such a help, what they do for the kids is amazing and really important respite for the family.

“Having seen what the charity does and benefitting ourselves we wanted to help, having been through cancer and going through it again it is a cause close to our hearts.

“We are over the moon to have raised £1,027 which will enable another family to go to the retreat in Crete.”

The family staged a charity night at Ferryhill Masonic Hall in March and held a raffle for a signed Sunderland football shirt and signed balls from Middlesbrough and Newcastle to raise the money.

The winners were drawn at clothing store Bonmarche, in Bishop Auckland, which has supported the Mann family on various fundraising events. The winners will be contacted.

The shop raises funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, another charity the Mann family has supported, and is currently running a regional charity prize draw for £250 and £100 vouchers.