A devoted husband and father of four whose wife died of cancer says he has been able to work through his grief by throwing himself into raising funds for the nurses who helped her through her final weeks.

David Thompson, 41, has worked with Macmillan Cancer Care since he lost his wife Sarah just over a year ago.

He said the fundraising committee for the charity’s Bradford branch only has four members and needs help in the form of donations and volunteers to help people going through a terminal illness or those who have lost loved ones.

Mr Thompson, of Mount View Court, Cleckheaton, joined last year and said the work had helped him through some hard times. He said: “When my wife fell ill, Macmillan were really good to us, the nurses were very kind and paid us regular visits.

“They also helped us go on holiday as a family and we were so grateful.

“The new year is supposed to be about loved ones and it did set me back last year – it’s not an easy time.

“I’ve found working with Macmillan a buzz. People will come up to me and tell me their stories of how they’ve coped with cancer and I realise how worthwhile it is.”

He added: “I wanted to give something back and it’s given me a lot of focus – I feel like I’m achieving something.”

Mr Thompson has organised concerts and a fashion show and taken part in supermarket collections.

A collection he held at Morrisons supermarket in Mayo Avenue raised almost £3,000 for the charity, which is more than is usually raised across all five Morrisons stores in Bradford.

Altogether he has been involved in organising events which have raised about £9,000.

Macmillan fundraiser Laura Riach said: “A diagnosis of cancer can be devastating for a family, both emotionally and financially, and Christmas can be a particularly difficult time.

“Macmillan is here to offer support, advice and sometimes financial help.

“We can only provide this help because of the generosity of our supporters – individuals, organisations and companies.”

Donations can be sent to Macmillan Office for West Yorkshire, Unit 3 Silkwood Court, Ossett, Wakefield, WF5 9TP.

To volunteer for the fundraising team, call Mr Thompson on 07920 796562.

e-mail: tanya.orourke@telegraphandargus.co.uk