WHEN cancer struck one Kidderminster man, Kemp Hospice helped him back on the road to recovery.

Dave Perkins has spoken of his gratitude to the Kidderminster hospice during his battle with Hodgkinson's disease - cancer of the lymphatic system - and his support for its £2.2 million appeal to move into bigger and better premises in 2004.

Mr Perkins, 44, of Queen Elizabeth Road, was diagnosed with the cancer, which affected his bone marrow and abdomen, in March 1998, before finally being given the all-clear on Christmas Eve that year.

Staff at Kidderminster Hospital, where he was receiving chemotherapy, suggested he start visiting Kemp Hospice to give his wife Hazel, who was caring for the 18-stone engineer practically 24-hours-a-day, a break.

"They're superb, wonderful people at Kemp. Not only did I get to meet wonderful people from the hospice - staff and volunteers - but also patients.

"It made me realise I was not the only one with cancer. There were people of all ages and from all walks of life. It helped me come to terms with it."

Mr Perkins took advantage of reflexology, aromatherapy and occupational therapy during his once or twice-weekly visits from May.

And he said the information available at the hospice - something the expansion will further improve - helped him deal with his illness.

Since the downgrading of Kidd-erminster Hospital in September 2000, people needing the treatment Mr Perkins received now have to travel out of town.

But the new hospice's in-patient services will mean patients can stay overnight to be nearer friends and family in Wyre Forest and minimise the time spent in hospital in Birmingham or Worcester.

Mr Perkins raised £300 towards the running of the hospice by taking part in an abseil event in 1998 and despite being disabled through chemotherapy-induced nerve damage is looking at ways to contribute towards the building appeal.