WHEN Darryl Simpson was diagnosed with stomach cancer last October, things looked bleak.

But six months on, the 41-year-old from Manor Drive, Horspath, has just finished treatment and, thanks to the support of his community, has raised more than £11,000 for the ward where he was treated.

His wife Amanda, 43, launched the fundraising drive in February, organising a 24-hour pool and darts marathon at Rose Hill Community Centre, of which Darryl's father Brian is chairman.

She hoped it would be something positive for everyone to throw themselves into.

Ten community centre members took part and managed to raise £2,000.

Spurred on by this, the Simpsons held a sponsored swim at Barton Pool on February 18, where friends and family, including the couple's two daughters, Hollie, 16, and Emily, 13, completed lengths to drum up £1,300.

On February 24, they held a disco, auction and raffle at the community centre.

Prizes were donated by friends, family and local businesses, ex-Arsenal footballer Martin Keown made an appearance and six of Darryl's friends even performed a Full Monty-style strip to boost the coffers.

On March 30, just two months after starting the appeal, the Simpsons were thrilled to present a cheque for more than £11,000 to the Frank Ellis Unit at the Churchill Hospital, Oxford, at an event in the community centre attended by estate residents, friends, family, the ward manager and staff nurses.

Mrs Simpson said: "It was a lovely atmosphere, as it had been at all the events - really upbeat. Even though it was sad circumstances because Darryl had been ill, it wasn't depressing at all.

"Everyone had a great time."

They said they had been overwhelmed by the response from the community.

Mrs Simpson said: "It was just amazing the response from people wanting to give their time and money and just take part.

"Everyone did their bit. It's been a real community effort."

Mr Simpson added: "We'd really like to thank everyone for taking part and helping to raise such a wonderful amount.

"Even if people round here don't have much themselves, it's amazing how much they will give."

Brian Simpson said it was a brilliant effort.

He said: "Rose Hill Community Centre does a lot of good for the community and this is a great example of that.

"There's so many bad things said about the estate and its residents, but this shows we're not all like that.

"People up here are rough diamonds and without them, none of this could have happened."

Jacqui Warden, ward sister at the Frank Ellis unit, said the money would be used to buy a new cardiac monitor and a regular monitor for the Churchill's new £125m cancer centre due to open next year.