A FISHERMAN has smashed his £4,000 fundraising target for The Christie Hospital despite battling terminal cancer.

Tommy Shuttlewood, who is also registered blind, has collected £4,853 with a fishing marathon spanning three countries.

The Barnton man, aged 45, wanted to raise money for the hospital to say thank you for the treatment he has received there since he was diagnosed with cancer in February 2010.

He was given the all-clear after an operation but was told that the cancer had returned this summer, which prompted him to do what he could for the hospital while he could.

His mum Alex Wood said: “I have to say that I really can’t believe the community spirit of people in Barnton, they have been absolutely unbelievable.

“It’s only been about six or seven weeks since he started raising the money.

“People have just wanted to give for Tommy.”

In the past two months Tommy, of Runcorn Road, has fished a number of sites in Cheshire, been fishing in Wales and went on an annual fishing trip to Ireland, which has been a fixture in his calender for the past eight years.

He has been joined on all his expeditions with his fishing friends Pete Moor and Roy Garton.

The challenge began with Tommy being sponsored per fish caught, but soon became overwhelmed by people just offering donations.

Alex said: “I can’t tell you how good people have been.

“When he was in Ireland they didn’t charge him for accomodation or food.

“They raised £261 behind the bar for him – it’s just unbelievable.

“I just want to say thank you really.

“It makes you want to cry.”