A year after battling bone cancer, Michael Hurst is still reminded of the devastating effects of the disease everyday.
The 29-year-old endured a nine-hour operation to cut out a tumour growing on his pelvis but as a result of the surgery he has been left unable to walk unaided.
The former McDonald's worker feels the cancer has stripped him of his independence as he relies on his mum Stacey Hurst to complete simple tasks.
But now he has taken the opportunity to thank her for all she does for him and others suffering from bone cancer.
Stacey has been nominated by her son for the Champion Fundraiser award in the year's Chronicle Champions.
Michael, from Walbottle, said: "She's done a lot for me.
"I had cancer in the pelvis, a tumour, last year. She's helped me a lot.
"I have been left in a wheelchair or using crutches for the foreseeable future.
"She raises money for the bone cancer charity and a lot of people have supported her."
Stacey has organised charity bag packing in a shop, a cake stall and a sold-out music and entertainment event at Throckley Union Jack Club in June.
Through her efforts, she has raised more than £1,500 for the Bone Cancer Research Trust.
The 50-year-old, who is also mum to Michael's twin Dale and his sisters Shannon and Caitlin, works part-time in a shop while caring for Michael.
She said: "It's all for Michael. After two years of physio he can walk a little bit with crutches but it will affect him for the rest of his life.
"When they cut the tumour off they removed the bone."
Stacey, who lives with husband Stephen, 53, helps her son with everyday tasks and said: "I would not have it any other way.
"We're trying to get him out on a new motorised scooter and get a bit of independence really.
"All the family help a bit, I do quite a lot.
"We try and support him as much as possible. It's a horrible thing, he would love to go back to work and he obviously can't."
Modest Stacey insisted all the family have been involved in fundraising and it has been "a joint effort".
During the music night at Throckley club, Michael's sisters Shannon, 23, and Caitlin, 19, took to the stage to sing.
The duo have already appeared together on BBC singing show All Together Now where they sang Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time.
And Shannon's boyfriend Micky Shore, 41, is in training for the Great North Run next month in order to raise more money for the bone cancer charity.
Next year, Stacey is planning another music night at Throckley with tombolas and raffle draws planned.
She added: "The fundraising is for a worthy cause and it's something we all wanted to do."
This year the Chronicle Champions Awards include sponsors The Banks Group and Northumbrian Water Group, while the event sponsor is The Grand Hotel Gosforth Park, where our glamorous evening will be held on December 4 2019.
The awards recognise bravery, devotion and selflessness in unsung heroes across the region. This is your chance to thank those people in our community that deserve to be recognised for their extraordinary efforts.
