Raffle launched to help effort to raise money for emergency cancer surgery for beloved Cubbington vicar Graham Coles

The Rev Coles, of St Mary's church in the village, has been battling with cancer since 2001 and despite being given the all clear in 2012, 2020 was a particularly challenging year as he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on the left side of his tongue.

The rare cancer is growing extremely rapidly and has already started to spread.

His family have set up a fundraising page on the gofundme website and, to boost the fundraising effort, villagers have now donated or organised for the donation of a raft of prizes for a raffle for which tickets can be bought by messaging the REV Graham Coles Fundraiser Cubbington page on Facebook.

The many prizes include a three night stay in the Isle of Wight and a luxury night stay at the Canal View in Warwick and the full list can be viewed on the Facebook page.

Tickets cost £5 each.

On the gofundme page set up by The Rev Coles' family, they have said: "Due to the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the NHS and the capacity in hospitals, we have to think outside of the box in order to get this urgent treatment.

"We have been able to enlist the services of Mr Alastair Fry, an internationally renowned surgeon and Chair of the Head and Neck Team at Guy’s Hospital in London.

"Mr Fry is considered an international authority in the procedure Graham requires.

"Those of you who know Graham will know of his humility and the way he has dedicated his life to the service of others, particularly in his capacity as the vicar of St Mary’s in Cubbington.

"On a personal level, he is also a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather.

"We would be so grateful for your financial support to help Rev Graham access this life-saving surgery he desperately needs."

The fundraising target is £50,000.

To visit the fundraising page click here or search for Help Rev Graham get emergency cancer surgery at gofundme.com