It’s hard not to feel inspired by Paul and Jane Bottomley* and what they have achieved over the past five years.

The kind-hearted couple from Sowerby have raised more than £40,000 in that time for our Macmillan Unit at CRH.

It’s been a personal mission for the pair, which began when in February 2012, Jane, 48, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Vowing not to be beaten by the news, Jane and her husband Paul, 50, began raising funds for us. 

They’ve not stopped since and over the years have made stacks of donations to the unit as a way of saying ‘thank you’. Paul was even nominated for a Pride of Britain award in 2014 in recognition of his massive efforts for charity.

She said: “We never thought we would raise that much. Our friends have been amazing. We’ve taken everyone on our journey with us. The generosity has been brilliant. We do it because we like to do it and it keeps us busy.” 

The future looks bright for Paul, Jane and their children James and Pauline. Jane’s checks, which come every six months, have been clear. The couple, who have been married for 31 years, recently became grandparents after Pauline gave birth to baby Emilia, who is now three months old.

The couple urged: “Never, never give up. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.”Paul and Jane hope to raise even more money later this month when they get their family together for a big party, which will include a raffle and a pop quiz.

* as told to the Halifax Courier