'Incredible' support as Wellingborough community continues to come together for dad-of-three Paul King after cancer diagnosis
The people of Wellingborough have once again come out in force to show their support for a dad-of-three following his devastating cancer diagnosis.
A fundraiser took place at the Swansgate Shopping Centre on Saturday (May 30) in support of Paul King, who worked in security at the centre for many years.
And the event was an ‘incredible’ success, raising £2.9K for Paul’s ongoing treatment journey after being diagnosed with cancer last year.
The money will go towards specialist treatment in Germany that could help slow the progression of Paul’s cancer and improve his comfort and quality of life.
Paul’s wife Melissa King told the Northants Telegraph: “The response from the community was honestly beyond anything we expected.
"From the moment we opened, we had queues around the tables, children enjoying the activities, people buying tickets, donating and offering words of support.”
The fundraiser included tombolas, hampers, face painting, cakes, games and raffle prizes, including a £250 B&Q voucher donated by Melissa’s niece, Lashawn Weekes.
The hampers proved very popular and the support was so overwhelming that they had to buy additional prizes and tickets during the event to keep up with demand.
Melissa said: “What meant the most to us, however, was seeing the community come together for Paul.
"He was completely overwhelmed by the generosity, kindness and support shown to our family throughout the day.
"It was an incredibly emotional experience for us all.
"We were also touched to have family travel long distances to attend and support the fundraiser, alongside local residents, businesses and volunteers who gave up their time to help make the event such a success.
"We would particularly like to thank the Swansgate Shopping Centre for hosting the event, along with Fiona and Ornela from Swansgate who gave up their days off to help support us throughout the day.
"Their kindness and generosity genuinely meant the world to our family.”
The family is so grateful to all the local businesses, organisations and charities who donated prizes, displayed posters and helped spread the word, including Don Millers, Clintons, Boots, Holland & Barrett, F. Hinds, Hays Travel, The Eco Hub, Express Hair, Peacocks, Roman, Bon Marche, Max Spielmann, Ugly Mug, Paradise Island Adventure Golf at Rushden Lakes, Superdrug, The Works and Follow The Smile Charity.
Melissa said: “The fundraiser has given our family renewed hope and reminded us just how incredible the Wellingborough community truly is.”
The family will soon be travelling to Germany once again for Paul’s next round of treatment, with Melissa adding: “While the journey is never easy, we remain grateful for the opportunity to continue a treatment that has already given us hope and encouraging signs of progress.”
To support the family’s ongoing fundraising, visit the gofundme page here.