Thousands raised for cancer research in popular Angelo's memory

Angelo, 66, died on Boxing Day 2016, two years after first being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.

More than 500 people attended his funeral and started the fundraising efforts.

His daughter Bianca, godson Peter Sandgrove, brother-in-law Andy White, along with friends Tracey Marsden, Ricardo Viveiros and Dean Sutton then decided to carry on raising money by running the Eastbourne Half Marathon earlier this month.

Along with his nephew, Barney White now doing a sponsored head shave, the team and all their supporters helped raise a final total of £5,250 for Cancer Research UK.

Angelo’s widow, Jackie, said, “Bianca, Angelo Junior and I are deeply moved by the kindness and generosity of those who supported us. We want to say thank you to them all.

“Of course we wish it never had happened but it is our hope the money will, one day, mean another family doesn’t have to go through what we are.”

Former deputy chief fire officer Angelo started a fire safety business after the family moved to Eastbourne, Jackie’s home town, in 2006.

He was a familiar figure at the town’s major events, including the tennis, Airbourne and the carnival.

“Angelo was never happier than when he was helping people, he had a huge heart,” said Jackie.

“It is a fitting memorial to him that so many people then helped us raise this fantastic sum. We know he would’ve been thrilled so many people care enough to carry on supporting us.”