A MAN who suffers severe degenerative arthritis in his spine alongside a rare disorder is set to have his back waxed to help people with terminal illnesses.

Robert Happs, of Sowerby, Thirsk, said he wanted to raise the profile of the local Marie Curie fundraising group and boost the charity's coffers to enable it to provide services including nursing care at home.

He worked at Thirsk steel fabricators Thirkon for 29 years before developing Ménière’s disease, a disorder that causes attacks of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss and a feeling of pressure deep inside the ear.

Mr Happs said: "I worked with someone whose wife had cancer and he said whatever time of day, the Marie Curie nurses were there to support them."

The 57-year-old, who is a voluntary befriender for Thirsk Community Care, said he hoped undertaking the agonising treatment at the Pamper Lounge, in Thirsk, on July 10, would capture the imaginations of donors.

He said: "I've never had any waxing before and don't know exactly what to expect.

"I've got a really hairy back, so I think I'm going to have to have a newspaper rolled up to bite down on as it's going to be painful."

To sponsor Mr Happs, call 01845-525756 or email gunsbatasi@gmail.com