A HUSBAND whose family has been hit hard by cancer is fighting back - and fighting dirty.

Dean Mason was as his wife *not named* was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer at Colchester General Hospital's new radiotherapy centre.

Soon after, his father was treated for prostate cancer at the same centre.

Mr Mason said: “I went to some of the radiotherapy sessions and saw how the staff made my wife feel safe and relaxed.

“I thought I would try and raise some money for the centre as they have looked after my family so well. It has been a hectic few months.”

Mr Mason, 42, who lives in Langenhoe, is now taking on an obstacle course and will race - and crawl - through sludge and slurry to raise money for the Cancer Centre Campaign.

The campaign, which is supported by the Gazette, aims to raise £4.5 million to create a new cancer centre which would be built on top of the radiotherapy unit.

Mr Mason is taking on a five kilometre Mucky Race to raise funds for the appeal.

His cousin runs a boot camp called Mason Active PT and has been helping him train for the race on Saturday.

He said: “I will finish it no matter what it takes, I will push through even if I’m crawling across the finish line.

“I saw how nice the radiotherapy unit was and, if they can give that service to everyone with the help of me raising some money, that would be great.”

Mr Mason hopes his wife will be able to come and watch him take on the ropes and ditches.

He is also being cheered on by other family members and will have the company of 20 other people attending the boot camp he trains at.

He is hoping to raise £500 for the unit and already has £430.

He said: “It’s been going really well with the fundraising.

£Until you know someone who has been through cancer you don’t realise how many other people have been touched by it, and are willing to help you.”

More than £800,000 has been raised towards the new centre which would see all cancer services - including clinical, therapies and support services - offered on one site.

However, more funds are desperately needed.

To support the campaign, text GAZE11 £10 (or an amount of your choice) to 70070.

Cheques, made payable to CoHoC Cancer Centre Campaign, can be sent to Colchester Hospitals Charity, at Colchester General Hospital, Turner Road, Colchester, CO4 5JL.

Donations can also be made online by going to www.CohoC.org.uk.