A former driver had an emotional retirement after his work colleagues raised hundreds of pounds for a charity close to his heart.

Eastern Daily Press: Chris Ransom who has retired from Jewsons has thanked his colleagues and customers for helping to raise over £400 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Pictured with his wife Pamela who died of cancer 8 years ago.Picture: ANTONY KELLYChris Ransom who has retired from Jewsons has thanked his colleagues and customers for helping to raise over £400 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Pictured with his wife Pamela who died of cancer 8 years ago.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Christopher Ransom, 65, from Rackheath, had been a lorry driver for Jewson in Hoveton for 27 years before leaving the company in the new year.

Instead of a buying a gift, his former work colleagues, Jewson customers and friends and family raised £430 in a week for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mr Ransom's wife, Pamela, 57, was supported by a Macmillan palliative care nurse for three or four months in her home before she died in 2010 from breast and ovarian cancer.

Their daughter, Emma Bowen-Shorten, from Dussindale, also had a breast cancer scare two years ago when she was 37.

Since Mr Ransom's wife died he has supported Macmillan Cancer Support.

But the money raised by his colleagues was a surprise.

Mr Ransom said: 'I welled up when they presented the money. It was a shock because of how much they raised.

'I had some good mates and memories at Jewson. When my wife was ill they were excellent.

'I want to thank everybody from Jewson who donated.'

Speaking about the support he and his wife received from Macmillan Cancer Support, Mr Ransom added: 'It helped us tremendously. We couldn't manage without it.

'I want to support Macmillan so they can help other people in the same situation.

'Pamela felt the same as me and believed in helping others if they helped you.'

The charity was formed in 1911 by Douglas Macmillan.

Since then it has become the UK's leading source of cancer support.

It conducts researches into the disease; trains people affected by cancer including carers, family members, volunteers; and helps people in their homes.

Liam Brydon, manager of the Jewson Hoveton branch who organised the collection, said: 'We felt it was a nice gesture. We were overwhelmed by the amount we raised the a short space of time. We felt pride to hand it over to Mr Ransom. It was good to do something in his honour.'

Mr Ransom intends to do volunteering during his retirement.