SOLDIERS across the UK are joining the family and friends of a terminally-ill comrade in attempting to raise £110,000 to halt the sale of his house.

The wife of Billingham man Phil Cox said she is humbled by the outpouring of support as people rally to provide financial stability for their heartbroken family.

Mr Cox, who may only have months to live, has been battling testicular cancer which has spread into his lungs and brain. He also has leptominigeal disease, an incurable complication of cancer.

The 36-year-old Afghanistan veteran was forced to put his home on the market after realising a lack of life insurance would leave his wife Kerri unable to meet mortgage payments alone.

In light of the difficult decision, friends, family and members of the Armed Forces have organised a series of fundraising events in the hope of giving Mrs Cox and children Joe, four, and Keira, ten, security for the future.

Mrs Cox thanked those offering support, saying: “Seeing Phil deteriorate breaks my heart. When I first met Phil we watched a documentary about a lady that lost her husband, I turned to him and asked him never to put me through anything like that.

“I never thought it possible that we would be here in that same place right now but I am so humbled by everything everyone is doing to support us.

“While nothing will ever ease the pain that will follow the loss of my best friend, my husband and father of our children, the thought I may be able to provide a home and financial security for the children takes away much of my stress.

“I will be forever indebted to everyone who has and is helping us and no words will ever be enough to show my gratitude.”

Mr Cox’s friend John Stephenson, who serves with the Royal Corps of Signals, is helping to coordinate fundraising efforts.

He said: “Phil is a loving family man, loyal friend and soldier. Since we met 20 years ago, I have never heard a bad word said about him - he is a strong, fun loving person that is and will always be larger than life.

“To see a friend of so many and his family hurting this way breaks my heart and the hearts of all those that know him.

“I hope we can do him proud and make sure Kerri, Keira and Joe have a bright future, always and forever.”

Fundraising events are being held across the country, with a convoy of trucks, classic cars and bikers arriving at Stockton’s Don Bar at 1pm on Saturday, February 4 Pfor a fundraising day featuring a variety of entertainment, live music and a raffle.

The bar’s owner, Julie Cooper, is encouraging the people of Teesside to come together to support Mr Cox.

For more information or to donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/amy-tombs