Family and friends are attempting to give a family near Helston a day to remember as they face an uncertain future due to cancer.

A fundraising page has been set up to help Sam and Gareth Jones celebrate their tenth anniversary by renewing their vows, in front of their six children and loved ones.

It will be a bittersweet occasion for them, however, as Gareth, who grew up in Mullion, faces an ongoing battle with bowel cancer.

Last week they faced a further blow when he was told chemotherapy was not working, and he is currently waiting to hear if he can be started on a different course of drugs, with the family taking each day as it comes.

With the couple's tenth wedding anniversary coming up this November, close friend Sarah Wild, from Helston, set up an online Crowdfunding page to help them create memories with a vow renewal.

She wrote: "You can imagine the heartache they've been through with chemotherapy, three-monthly scans, the not knowing what's round the corner, the ups and downs, highs and lows and no matter what they've had thrown at them Sam and Gareth have remained the strongest couple we all know and love.

"I know this would mean so, so much to them and would be grateful for everyone's help."

Within days of the appeal going live, three quarters of the £1,000 target had already been reached and now it is hoped that enough will be raised to not only mark their vows but also allow the couple to their children on a dream trip to DisneyWorld in Florida, for the honeymoon they never got the first time around.

Sarah, a receptionist at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, whose husband Adam is best friends with Gareth, told the Packet: "I am absolutely gobsmacked - I wasn't expecting so much so soon, in less than a week. A massive thank you to everyone, their support has been fantastic."

Sam said the family, who live at Nancegollan, was still "in shock" at what was being doing for them, adding: "We didn't expect any of this."

She admitted the last three years, since 38-year-old Gareth's diagnosis, had been "tough."

It took two years for doctors to take notice of his symptoms, telling Gareth he was "too young" and eventually agreeing to send away tests just for his "peace of mind" - only to then have to deliver the crushing news that it was in fact cancer.

Just a week later the couple, who already had four young sons, discovered that Sam was pregnant once again - this time with twin girls.

And only a month and a half after beginning chemotherapy Gareth almost died due to a perforation and was told the cancer had spread.

"It's been a hell of a rollercoaster," admitted Sam.

Despite this Gareth has continued to work full time for CIB Lello Plant Hire at Connor Downs - who Sam said had been "absolutely amazing" - up to three months ago, when he began losing weight and getting sick.

It has made their wedding anniversary even more of an important date to look towards.

Sam said: "Just renewing our vows, having our kids there and having all the people we love, just means everything to us.

"My husband is my world; he means absolutely everything to me. Renewing our views shows we still love each other after 16 years."

They have already booked St Michael's Church for the same date and time of their wedding the first time - November 12 at 3pm - and hope to go on to celebrate at the Godolphin Club.

Packet readers can make a donation by going online to crowdfunding.justgiving.com/sarahwild1