WHEN cancer victim Tony Rutherford's life was saved 15 years ago, he vowed to help others by raising money for Christie Hospital.

Now the boss of the Asda superstore in Pilsworth has raised £22,222 with the help of his work colleagues.

This is the second bumper Christmas present that Mr Rutherford has presented to Christie Hospital cancer consultant, Dr Peter Wilkinson, after he handed over £18,000 last year.

The money will be used to improve facilities and support for patients taking part in clinical trials.

The latest cheque was presented to Dr Wilkinson and Christie's regional appeals officer, Jacky Plant, at the store's Christmas party held at Bredbury Hall in Cheshire and came as a complete surprise.

Dr Wilkinson said: "I was overwhelmed by the money raised last year. It was such a large sum that I thought it was a one-off, so you can imagine my astonishment when this year's cheque was more than £22,000. I'm absolutely delighted. I just don't know how they do it."

Mr Rutherford has actually given more than £70,000 to Christie's since his successful treatment for Hodgkin's Disease, a cancer of the lymph system, in 1988. Other Asda stores he has managed have also raised funds for the specialist cancer centre.

The money has been raised through fun weekends, tombola, raffles and special themed events. A small group of managers from the store also undertook a sponsored Manchester to Blackpool bike ride and the Asda Foundation also pledged £2,000.

Mr Rutherford, said: "The colleagues and customers at Pilsworth are exceptional. They really put their heart and soul into it, while still supporting other charities such as breast cancer care and St Paul's Primary School in Bury."