A keen knitter and employee at Fawkham Manor Hospital has been celebrated for raising thousands of pounds for charity.

Dave Bennett was given a cake to mark his 65th birthday and his considerable fundraising efforts, helping raise money for Macmillan Cancer Care, Cancer Research, Porchlight and Bowel Cancer Research.

Caroline Kirby, executive assistant at Fawkham Manor, made the cake which was inspired by Dave’s work knitting items including clowns, Christmas puddings and socks, horses and hippos to be auctioned for charity.

Last year, Dave organised a Christmas fayre which raised over £1,200 for Bowel Cancer Research.

He said: “What started as a small idea in the summer exceeded all expectations. Fawkham Manor staff are some of the best in the world and I cannot thank them enough for their kind donations and help in making it a success. I am overwhelmed at how generous people have been.”

Annie Glastonbury, quality and training co-ordinator at Fawkham Manor Hospital, said: “Dave’s achievements are wonderful and he is a credit to the hospital. Patients often comment on the cheerfulness he brings to the hospital and his determination to help others."