AN inspirational couple earned national praise after turning to fundraising following the death of their son.

George and Iris Hanson, both 82, of Alracks, Laindon, have raised £260,000 for Cancer Research since son Paul lost his battle with Hodgkin lymphoma in 1989, aged just 30.

The former Ford Dunton worker was diagnosed just twomonths before marrying wife Debrah, and passed away four years later.

In a bid to keep his memory alive, his devastated parents turned to fundraising.

At first they raised money for equipment at Barts Hospital, in London, where Paul was treated, before turning their attentions to Cancer Research.

The efforts over the past 26 years have now earned them the title of Honorary Fellows of the charity.

Iris, who has remained close friends with Paul's widow, said: "We feel really humbled to receive the award, we don't really think we deserve it. We don’t do anything more than a lot of other people do.

“We do it all for Paul. He used to say when he was better he was going to do something big for Cancer Research. He didn’t get a chance, so we’re doing the best we can instead. I hope he’s proud of us."”

The couple hold regular garden sales, garage sales and charity breakfasts at their home.

They also have collection buckets in local shops, and work closely with community groups and businesses.

George and Iris run the Basildon and Wickford funding committee of Cancer Research on their own.

Iris added: “We certainly keep busy. I would never sell anything I wouldn’t buy myself, so it’s all good stuff.

“My daughter-in-law has been my saviour. She threw herself into work after Paul’s death.

She’s done really well for herself and done all the things they planned to do together, including buying a house in Billericay recently.”

George and Iris were handed their awards during the Flame of Hope ceremony in London.