A CANCER patient has celebrated his return to full fitness with a fundraising bash at his Westhoughton home.

Brave Gary Openshaw and his wife Lisa held a secret-auction event at their home in Fairstead Close on Saturday night and raised more than £650 for charity.

It brings to an end an emotional seven months for the proud father-of-two who is now getting his life back on track after life-saving surgery.

Gary, aged 43, was diagnosed with cancer of the lower oesophagus last May and underwent surgery to remove part of his stomach as well as chemotherapy at hospitals in Lancashire.

With the help of Lisa and children Olivia, aged 15, and Marcus, aged 11, he has spent the winter recovering from the condition.

He returned to work with Network Rail two weeks ago, and to celebrate, Gary held the fundraising auction for family and friends.

All lots were kindly donated by local businesses and supporters and included sporting memorabilia and the star attraction — a framed poster signed by Manchester United legend Eric Cantona.

Lisa, aged 42, said: “We also held a karaoke contest on the Singstar computer game, a quiz, a raffle and we set up a ladies table and a jewellery stall. Some of the prizes we were given by local businesses were fantastic.

“The evening was a real success and Gary was made up with the turnout and pleased with everyone’s kindness.”

She added: “It has been a really difficult and emotional year for all our family, but we have got through it.

“The diagnosis came out of the blue and we couldn’t believe it. Gary has done the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride each July for years and was gutted that he couldn’t do it last year. We are lucky that he was diagnosed early and got very good medical treatment and that he is fit and strong. Other people aren’t so fortunate, so that is why we wanted to raise this money.”

The cash will be shared between Macmillan Cancer Support and another cancer charity still be to be decided.