AFTER being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2011, former pub landlord Anthony Stanley is refusing to call time on his charity fundraising efforts and has gone on to gather more than £2,400.

He had major surgery at Bath’s Royal United Hospital in October 2011, exactly a year after he retired as manager of the Bell on the Common at Broughton Gifford, near Melksham.

A keen fundraiser in his days at the pub, even a further two operations couldn’t stop him backing the RUH’s Forever Friends Appeal.

The 68-year-old, who lives in Broughton Gifford, raised about £1,800 in May by taking part in the appeal’s 21-mile Walk of Life along the Kennet and Avon Canal with his three sons, daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

He said: “Towards the end it got a bit tough, but with the support of my family, and my wife Dorothy, we managed it – and even went for a drink to celebrate.”

Mr Stanley had raised money with events at his former pub. He said: “I only live 200 yards from it now, so I still see the locals, and the villagers have been superb; people have been putting money through the door, and we had a quiz night, and I’m hoping to do another one soon.”

The Forever Friends Appeal is collecting for a new cancer unit at the hospital. Mr Stanley said: “They were absolutely brilliant at the RUH, the staff were just marvellous.

“When I was diagnosed I had to go in for an operation, which was as big as they can get; parts of my bowel, stomach, kidney, spleen and colon were all removed.

“In October this year it will be two years since I had the operation, and I am desperately hoping everything gets the all-clear.”