A project manager who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer has raised more than £7,000 to fund further research.

Andy Bird, of Rainham, noticed a lump on his leg last year and originally thought it was an insect bite but after being referred to hospital was told he had epithelioid sarcoma – a rare, soft tissue cancer.

The 54-year-old is now raising money for Sarcoma UK – a charity that funds research, offers support and campaigns for better treatments – to give something back and help other patients.

Sarcomas are uncommon cancers with around 100 different sub-types that can affect any part of the body, on the inside or outside, including the muscle, bone, tendons, blood vessels and fatty tissues.

He added: "Until I was diagnosed with it I did not know of it. There are only 50 or 60 cases a year of the type I have. If you have never heard of it, it is not something you would know about."

Andy along with his wife Louise, daughter Chloe, 20 and son Jorge, 25 held a fundraiser last weekend at The Cricketers, Rainham.

He said: "The event went really well and so many people turned up to support us. It was an amazing day thanks to my daughter who organised it and Louise and Jorge who helped her.

"All my family and friends helped too. We think that there were in excess of 150 people on the day. We would like to say thank you to all of those who attended the event.

"We would also like to thank The Lost Weekend for giving up their time to play, everyone enjoyed the music so much and to The Cricketers for hosting.

"We have totalled up the money raised on the night and are incredibly grateful to all who donated and attended."

The event raised £3,561.56 for the charity bringing Andy's fundraising total up to £7,231.56. The JustGiving page is also still receiving donations, you can view it here.

Sarcoma UK support line experts are here for every person affected by sarcoma. Contact them for information and support. Phone: 0808 801 0401. Email: supportline@sarcoma.org.uk