A FAMILY whose lives were devastated by a sudden loss have turned their focus to fund-raising.

Graham Taylor’s wife, Elaine, died in June just weeks after being diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer.

A keen cyclist, Elaine was shocked to find that a sore hip was actually secondary lung cancer.

The 60-year-old was well known in Hexham as one of the dispensers at Pattinson’s and later Boots Pharmacy on Battle Hill.

Elaine was cared for by Macmillan Cancer Support during her illness. Graham, along with his children Becky and Richard, decided to fund-raise for the charity.

Graham said: “The loss of Elaine so quickly has been a real shock to many people in Hexham who knew her.

“Elaine was supported by some of the top specialists in the country and the NHS critical care was exceptional.

“Macmillan made a significant contribution as we went through daily life.

“For that reason, myself, my son Richard, daughter Becky and wider family and friends are looking at ways to put something back into the operating costs of Macmillan on an ongoing basis.”

Graham decided to launch ‘2019 Ride for Elaine’. He will cycle more than 250 miles over five days in July.

He took part in the 64-mile Virgin Cyclone in Northumberland on July 6, and on July 16 he will travel to France to cycle the remaining miles.

Graham is aiming to raise £3,500 this year.

And the family are now looking organising more cycling, running, and social events in 2020.

They hope to raise enough money to make a serious contribution to Macmillan services in the area.

He added: “Outside of caring for her family, Elaine loved fitness classes and cycling.

“Her many friends in that community are shocked that someone could discover that a sore hip was actually secondary lung cancer.

“I would also like to get the business community in the Tyne Valley involved as Macmillan support is there for many of their employees when affected by cancer.”

The family’s efforts have been welcomed by Macmillan.

Sarah Goldie, Macmillan fund-raising manager for Northumberland said: “Macmillan is here to help employers, employees, friends and family make sense of the devastation a cancer diagnosis can cause.

“With the generosity of people like Graham, his family and friends we will be able to support more people with cancer in Northumberland.”

Donations to Graham’s campaign can be made at macmillan.tributefunds.com/ride-for-elaine-2019.