THE family of a man who died of cancer are raising funds for the home-based hospice charity that supported him in his final months.

A charity clay shoot in aid of Herriot Hospice Homecare will take place at the Marne Clay Club, Catterick, on August 2.

The event is in memory of David Barker who died in early 2014 after suffering from advanced lung cancer.

Prior to his death, David, 44, who lived in Scorton, received complementary therapy from Herriot Hospice Homecare, which he said greatly eased his pain and general wellbeing.

One of his great loves was shooting and this will be the second year that the charity clay shoot has been held in his memory. Among those taking part this year will be his three sons, Andrew, Jon and William.

Mr Barker’s widow, Sam, said: “David always loved shooting so after his death we wanted to do something in his memory and at the same time raise money for Herriot, who did so much for him.

“David was sceptical about complementary therapy at first, but after starting some reflexology it only took a few sessions for him to realise it was helping him.

“As his illness progressed, he also had aromatherapy which he enjoyed particularly when it was applied to his head, neck and shoulders as it relaxed him completely and he would often be asleep before the sessions ended.”

People who take part in the event will compete for the David Barker Memorial Cup, which has been donated by Sam and her family. There will also be £100 for the high gun winner, £75 for second place and £50 for third place.

Entry for the event, which runs from 10am to 2pm, is £10 for adults and £5 for juniors. To book a place, or for more information, contact Tony Masters at Marne Clay Shoot on 07719-653394.