A GRATEFUL husband who is suffering from leukaemia nominated his "naturally caring" wife to receive a little festive cheer.
The Grimsby Telegraph has teamed up with the Artie White Foundation for its 12 Days Of Christmas Campaign, handing out Christmas hampers and toy vouchers to deserving people.
Amanda Rudland, 47, of Daubney Street, Cleethorpes, was nominated by her husband Graham, also 47, his 84-year-old mother and a friend with a disability, whom Amanda has known for 15 years.
Amanda and Graham were married in 2009 but 18 months later, Graham was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia.
Graham's life was turned upside down by the disease but his loving wife – who has worked in care for many years – has supported him.
"There are a lot of people worse off than me, but I really appreciate everything that Amanda does – without her, I don't think I could cope," said Graham, who was too poorly to have his photograph taken for the Telegraph.
"There are good days and bad days, but it helps to know that I am not alone and that she is never more than a phone call away.
"She thinks nothing of it because she's worked in care for so long and is a naturally caring person – but a lot of people would have walked away."
Amanda gave up her job managing a care agency to look after her husband full time, and visits his mother almost every day, too.
Artie White Foundation co-ordinators Dave and Debbie Boylen made a surprise visit to the couple's home and handed over a Christmas hamper.
Delighted Amanda said: "I really didn't expect it, but that was why it was so touching.
"You do these things every day out of love and never really think about it, but for someone to give you their support like this is lovely."
Graham is now waiting for a bone marrow transplant and Amanda wanted to use this article to appeal for people to donate to help others.
"You can go and see your GP, do a test and save someone else's life because there's never enough donors," she said.
And Graham took the time to thank other people who have helped him, including Dr Speed, Dr Levison and his employer, Morrisons.
