Three weeks ago my husband had lung and secondary bone cancer diagnosed which came as a big shock not only to us and our two young daughters but to our local community as well. As non-smokers and people who practice an active lifestyle and good diet, and the fact that my husband is only 43, we were the last people who would expect to be affected by this ruthless disease.

I asked neighbours who knew the minister at St Michael's Church, Newhaven, if it would be possible to arrange a marriage blessing as my husband had to have his wedding ring cut off five years ago due to a footballing accident.

It would have been impossible for me to arrange the blessing due to hospital visits and trying to keep life as normal as possible for our daughters.

Our problem was that we had only one week as his health and mobility were going downhill rapidly due to the cancer and the tumour on his spine.

Expecting just a small service as part of the normal Sunday service, we were amazed by the achievement of our local community who pulled together to give us the most wonderful day. People donated time, money, flowers, catering goods and even a red Cadillac to get us to the church. Rev Martin Miller, minister of St Michael's Church, Newhaven, delivered a beautiful and special service followed by a full reception at Newhaven Conservative Club, all arranged in a week.

We cannot thank people enough for their kindness as it has given us wonderful memories that will help see us through the hard days to come.

Our children will be able to remember that day forever and my husband will start his treatment knowing that people are fighting with us.

  • Julie Tayler and family, Fullwood Avenue, Newhaven