A SON is preparing for a series of fundraising events in memory of his father who lost his battle with lung cancer.

Victor Duggan, who lived in Benfleet became a pillar of the community and died after a short battle with the disease in 2016.

Now, is son Dan Duggan, 39, of Rochford is holding a charity race night and taking on a bike ride challenge.

He is raising cash for Macmillan Cancer Support and said the charity helped his father and family during the difficult time. The race night will be held on Saturday June 30 at Ashingdon and East Hawkwell Memorial Hall, Ashingdon Road, Ashingdon.

Tickets are £5 each.

He will also take part in the London to Southend London 100 bike ride in July.

He said: "Dad spent his life helping people, he was a scout leader, firefighter and also a volunteer with the life guard.

"He had such an amazing career and I didn't know about most of it until he died.

"Dad retired two years before he died and about nine months before this he was diagnosed. I want to raise more awareness of the disease as more and more people will be affected by it.

"Macmillan were just amazing, and were gave us so much support when we needed it. This was just listening at times and I think people take what they do for granted.

"This is my chance to give back to them."

He is hoping to raise £1000 in total. For tickets for the quiz email d79duggan@gmail.com. To donate see www.justgiving.com/fundraising/daniel-duggan18