THE generosity of Wellington residents has allowed former fireman Steve Horrill and wife Carol to book a holiday as he battles against cancer.

Steve, known as Butch, was diagnosed two years ago with skin cancer and despite having the melanoma removed, doctors discovered last year it had spread to his lung and his brain.

Butch has been going through immunotherapy treatment, which has caused him to suffer ‘some rough side effects’.

So, the couple’s daughter Amy Horrill decided to launch an online funding appeal to help cover the cost treating her parents to a holiday away.

The family live in North Street, Wellington, and Amy, who set a target of £700, said she was ‘shocked’ when she saw the appeal rapidly reach £945.

Amy said: “My dad worked in the fire service in Somerset for a long time and has helped countless families due to his dedication to the community before retiring a few years ago.

“As some of you may know, my dad is currently battling cancer.

“I wanted to do something for him so once he is out of hospital and feels better he and my mum can have a trip away to have a well-deserved rest from it all.”

Amy said Butch came out of hospital after the appeal had been launched and was ‘speechless’ when he opened a card containing messages and the names of everybody who had contributed.

She said she would meet half of the cost of her parents’ holiday herself and would share any money left over from the appeal between the charities Melanoma UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Melanoma UK encourages awareness of skin cancer in the UK, and Macmillan Cancer Support provides help for cancer patients and their loved ones through their diagnosis.