A CANCER patient's kids are riding pier to pier to say thank you to all the people who are helping to make their daddy better.

Dudley Firkins, 46, was diagnosed with rare oesophageal cancer on November 11 last year.

He has just started the second of three courses of chemo designed to shrink the tumour.

If the treatment succeeds he will also need an operation at Chelmsford's Broomfield Hospital.

On Sunday son Jack, aged seven, and daughter Josie, four, are riding their bikes from Clacton to Walton to mark World Cancer Day.

Great Clacton Junior School pupil Jack and Josie, who goes to Burrsville Infant Academy, will be joined by staff from mum Debbie's Styles and Smiles hairdressing salon in Holland-on-Sea.

And the fundraising team are urging as many people as possible to join them.

The children's nan, Michelle Theobald, said: "They are going to be riding their bikes to raise money for the people who are making their daddy better.

"We thought it might be a bit too far for them to walk, but they might be able to get from Clacton to Walton on their bikes.

"Unfortunately I can't do it because I've got a gammy hip, but I will be there rattling my collection bucket.

"As a family we are all just trying to make an effort and do the best that we can to help.

"This is to help everyone - not just Dudley.

"But hopefully when he has finished his treatment we will try to do a fundraiser for Broomfield Hospital, but that is in the future."

Fundraisers are being invited to cycle, run or walk the seven-mile route.

The family is setting off from Pier Gap at 10.30am on Sunday.

Michelle said: "Anyone interested can bike, walk, jog - whatever they want.

"The more people we get, the more we can collect for a worthwhile cause."

Debbie is also holding a tea and cake sale at the salon, on Holland Road, this Saturday from 2pm.

To donate to the fundraising bid visit Cancer Research UK's giving page and search for Styles and Smiles.