A GENEROUS resident spent his weekend mornings at a supermarket raising money for a hospital charity’s chemotherapy day unit.

Marcus Needham, of Parkeston, was stationed in Dovercourt Morrisons on Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, chatting with people who had been affected by cancer.

He raised £266 for Colchester Hospital Charity, with £210 donated in person and £56 online.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Kind - Marcus Needham's fundraising will go towards tech for Colchester HospitalKind - Marcus Needham's fundraising will go towards tech for Colchester Hospital (Image: Marcus Needham)

The money will go towards computer tablets which can be loaned to patients for the day.

Marcus said: “In 2011 I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive blood cancer and being in stage four there was no time to waste.

“After intense chemotherapy I was clear and sent to St Bartholomew's hospital for a stem cell transplant.

“This was followed by two years of trial chemotherapy in the hope to stop the cancer from returning.

“On that score I understand that I have stayed in remission very much longer than to be expected.”

Marcus adds his good job in the probation service allowed him to buy entertaining tech before his treatment to keep him amused but he is wary not everyone has that luxury.

He said: “I had this idea years ago but my health has been one problem after another and I never got around to it.

“Although I am having problems now I was determined to realise this plan and would like to thank those who helped.”