'Cancer won't stop me helping kids this Christmas'

Robbie Meakin said he was determined to cheer up the children in hospital over Christmas

A man diagnosed with cancer has said he was determined to put smiles on the faces of children in hospital over Christmas after launching a toy appeal.

Robbie Meakin, from Wolverhampton, was told he had stage four colon and liver cancer in April, which his doctor said was "untreatable but manageable".

While he was undergoing chemotherapy and surgeries at the city's New Cross Hospital, he started thinking about the patients on the children's ward who might be in over Christmas.

This inspired the 34-year-old to team up with AFC Wolverhampton City, where he is club ambassador, and start a collection in the run-up to the festive period.

"I'm no Santa Claus but I decided to do something that will put smiles on faces of those on the children's ward this Christmas and the club were more than happy to get on board," he said.

Mr Meakin was diagnosed in April after suffering with symptoms including stomach pain, fatigue and weight loss.

He said he had spent a lot of time in hospital since then, which included hours of chemotherapy and surgeries.

"I've been poked, prodded and had scans galore. It really gets you down," he added.

Robbie Meakin has teamed up with Amanda Winwood from the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity for the appeal

Mr Meakin said he has since been told the chemotherapy was helping with his liver function and his energy levels have increased.

"It's been a surreal time," he said. "Your world crumbles around you but the support I've had from my wife, family, close friends and the football club has been brilliant.

"Since starting chemo in July, I feel so much better. Before I started, I was extremely fatigued all the time, I was lying around doing nothing.

"My energy levels are so much better. Obviously I have good days and bad days, you can never really call it."

'Even one smile'

Mr Meakin has started a toy appeal with AFC Wolverhampton City and the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity.

"Hospitals are places nobody wants to be, so if we can put even one smile and one child's face, during a period when they should be at home celebrating, that's what we're going to do," he added.

Mr Meakin has set up an online fundraiser, the proceeds from which will be spent on buying toys for the children.

Donations of toys can be made at AFC Wolverhampton City's ground, Castlecroft Stadium, during the home fixtures on 22 and 29 November, as well as on the 2, 9 and 13 December.