A LAKE District couple decided to forget the usual gifts when they reached their golden wedding anniversary – and have used the landmark to support local cancer patients.

John, 74, and Ann Taylor, 71, from Far Sawrey, near Ambleside, celebrated 50 years as man and wife at Broadoaks Country House Hotel, Troutbeck.

But in a break from tradition, instead of the 37 guests taking the traditional gifts of crystal wine glasses or silver photo frames to their party, the couple asked for donations to Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

In total, guests donated £1,450, all of which will go to aid Rosemere in its work supporting local cancer patients and their families through treatment and research.

The couple, who ran a guesthouse in Near Sawrey prior to their retirement, have both experienced the impact of Rosemere’s work first-hand, inspiring them to give something back to the charity that has supported them.

John has been treated for bone and prostate cancer since 2011 at the Rosemere Cancer Centre, based at the Royal Preston Hospital. Almost ten years before, Ann received a diagnosis of breast cancer and later underwent a mastectomy.

John has been inspired by his experience to speak out about encouraging other men to get regular checks in order to intercept cancer early and ensure the best possible outcome.

Anne Sweeney, area fund-raising co-ordinator at Rosemere, said: “Ann and John are a wonderful couple and we’d like to thank them for raising this amount to help other local cancer patients. It’s a testament to them as people that they used their golden wedding anniversary to help other people who have had similar experiences to their own.”

The Rosemere Cancer Foundation raises much-needed funds for local cancer research, patient welfare projects, additional equipment and training that cannot be provided by the NHS. To find out more visit www.rosemere.org.uk