A SOUTH Lakes couple have celebrated their golden wedding with a special 'thank you' to a charity which saw them through cancer.

Jim and Pam Bownass, of Crosthwaite, battled the disease together when Jim fell ill 27 years ago - and have been able to re-pay the kindness as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.

The couple asked family and friends to donate to local charity, CancerCare, rather than give them presents.

"CancerCare is a charity very dear to our hearts after the support they gave us when I was diagnosed, treated, and then recovered from cancer back in 1987," explained Jim.

"They offered me lots of support including free hydrotherapy sessions in the Sandgate pool.

"I remember when CancerCare was first set up in Lancaster and I am so glad they are still here helping local people like me today."

CancerCare was first established in 1983 by a local GP and started out as a volunteer-led telephone helpline service operating from a small office at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

Thirty years on it now offers a wide range of free professional services throughout north Lancashire and South Lakeland, including counselling, massage, and a dedicated children and young people’s service.

Thanks to the generosity of their friends and family, Pam and Jim were able to raise £1,000 for the charity.

Jim added: "I’d just like to say thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate our special day with us and for donating such a generous amount.

"We collected just over £1,000 for CancerCare which is just fantastic!"

For more information about the organisation visit www.cancercare.org.uk