Birthday boy's gift of love (From Stroud News and Journal)

Birthday boy's gift of love

A CANCER survivor who didn't think he would live to be 25 has just held a special 30th birthday bash to raise money for the hospitals where he was treated.

Wonky Ahmad, from Cashes Green, celebrated the start of his 30th year at the Subscription Rooms on Saturday, June 22.

Although his real name is Mansoor, Wonky got his nick-name as a baby from his grandmother when he took his first steps because he "wobbled from side to side".

He battled for six-years against the life-threatening cancer, first in his arm, then his lung, but he is now in remission.

The fund-raising birthday party, which raised £1,060, was held in aid of the hospital wards where he was treated - the Lilybrook in Cheltenham and the Kathleen Ferrier in Middlesex.

Wonky said afterwards: "The night was just brilliant. So many people turned up. "There must have been over 200 people there - far more than I could talk to. It went very well."

Guests paid £5 for a ticket to the event instead of buying Wonky a present.

They also took part in a raffle with prizes including champagne, wine, meal vouchers and two flights to Dublin.

These were donated by local businesses Bengal Balti, Exotica, the Bussage Ram, Images and Omega Selection Services.

Money raised will buy two trollies for Middlesex Hospital and paintings for a new room in Cheltenham hospital.

The room is to be used for interviewing people who have had chemotherapy.

Wonky, whose parents own the Bath Road post office, works at Dudbridge children's home.

He said he would like to thank everyone for helping with the party, especially his wife, Emma.

"She's been brilliant all the way through," he said. "I want to thank her for putting up with me."