A determined cancer survivor who has fought and beat the disease five times is hosting a charity fun day in memory of her community-minded late husband.

Sharon Twyman, 57, from Shamrock Road, Gravesend, endured a 19-year battle with breast and bowel cancer but tragically lost her husband, Gary, to septicaemia last July. He was 60.

Now Sharon is trying to keep his legacy alive while raising cash for charity with a fun day at the Riverside Centre in Dickens Road, Gravesend, from noon to 4pm on Saturday.

The fair will have a car boot sale, face painting, afternoon tea, pamper treatments, psychic and medium readings, and a race night.

All proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK.

Sharon, a youth worker for Kent County Council, said: “I want to keep his memory alive and this is a great way to keep the charities looking after people like us.

“Gary was a kind and generous man and he was very supportive of young people. Everyone knew Gary. He was just so popular.”

Gary was known affectionately as The Codfather as he was often seen giving fishing lessons down at Gravesend Promenade.

He also served in the Queen’s Regiment and later moved on to become a youth worker like his wife.

Mother-of-three Sharon said it was the support from Gary and the rest of the family that kept her going through her battle with cancer.

"I was at the gym in Cascades and when I came home that evening I found a pea-sized lump in my breast." - Sharon Twyman

She said: “Gary was a very good husband and supported me all the way.

“I think the help I got from my family and friends and having a strong mind helped too.”

Asked what advice she would give to people, having gone through this experience, she said: “Any early signs – go and get them checked with the doctor.

“I was at the gym in Cascades and when I came home that evening I found a pea-sized lump in my breast.

“Within weeks I was referred to hospital and given all the tests.”

Pitches for the car boot sale are still available at £7 each with all money going to charity. Call 01474 742551 for details.