THE family of a terminally-ill man hope to improve his quality of life with generous donations from members of the public.

Graham Leech, 47, was diagnosed with hemangiopericytoma - a rare condition which causes tumours to grow in the nervous system and blood vessels, six months ago.

He was admitted to Basildon Hospital after having a stroke in December, and has been told he is not expected to live for more than a year.

His wife, Sharon Leech, 50, is hopeful that money raised can be used to pay for transport and accommodation costs for herself and their three children.

Mrs Leech, of Highfield Road, Billericay, said: “It started when he was working away six years ago.

“His sight went so he saw the optician and they could see something was wrong and advised him to go to the hospital.

“They did numerous tests and could see there was a brain tumour.

“He was rushed in for surgery and it was the size of a tennis ball.

“A biopsy showed it was an incredibly rare form of cancer and they knew very little about it.”

Mr Leech had radiotherapy and the condition was managed until the cancer later spread to form several tumours in his lung and another two in his head, leading to the stroke on December 1.

Mr Leech, a floodlighting engineer who worked on football stadiums, now has no short-term memory and is unaware of his terminal diagnosis.

He is now receiving statutory sick pay of just £89 a week.

The couple have three children Aaron, 24, Liam, 22, and Maria, 16. Mrs Leech who is working part time in a supermarket.

She said: “I wanted to have him home, but for that to happen we need nurses and 24 hour care seven days a week.

“He is only 47, but he will probably go into a nursing home and that is really not what I want.

“I always thought there were people who could help you.”

A fundraising page was set up by family friend Nichola Eaton.

To donate to the family’s cause, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/graham-leech