Family and friends of late South Shields dad come together to raise funds for Macmillan

Linda Gordon, left, and friend Julie Cunningham have organised the charity night in memory of Paul.

Paul Gordon, 51, from South Shields, died in July – less than a year after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.

His passing devastated those close to him, including wife Linda, 51, and their twin sons Thomas and Joseph, 21.

Paul and Linda Gordon had been together for 32 years.

They are now determined to help Macmillan Cancer Support, which provided crucial support during the final weeks of Paul’s life and continues to do so with the family.

A charity night is being held from 7pm tomorrow at Whiteleas Social Club, in Oswald Street, South Shields. There will be music from, among others, singer Dave Lynas, a disco and a raffle, with friends and family hoping to raise about £2,000 for Macmillan.

Linda said: “The Macmillan nurses were absolutely fantastic, and I just want to give something back.

“They helped Paul emotionally and with his pain relief, and they’re continuing to help me. Their support is invaluable to so many families and they deserve something back.

“So many people are touched by cancer and Macmillan do so much good.

“They were also there for him to talk to at a time he was worried about me and the boys, and how we were going to cope if he died.”

Paul was diagnosed with cancer last October, and after six months of intensive chemotherapy, he was told it was on hold in March.

However, he started to deteriorate in June before dying the following month.

Paul was a popular darts player on the local scene, and had been with Linda for 32 years, having become partners at the age of 18, while they have known each other since they were 13.

Tickets to the event cost £5, from 07826 522910 or on the door, depending on availability.