FUNDRAISERS have collected more than £9,000 in just two weeks for a terminally ill father of two.

Daniel McIntosh, 29, a self-employed builder from Aveley, is battling a brain tumour and has been given a prognosis of just 18 months, with his wife due to give birth to their third daughter in just eight weeks’ time.

Following the diagnosis six weeks ago, Mr McIntosh has been unable to work and with his wife about to go on maternity leave, wellwishers have rallied to raise £9,100 on a JustGiving page set up by Facebook group Builders Talk.

Gary McCauley, 33, a friend of the McIntosh family, says support has been overwhelming and has urged for people to help her friends.

He said: “With their third child on the way, they have been left in not only the worst possible situation, with a prognosis of only 18 months but also with the stress of finding a way to support themselves for the coming years during the radiotherapy treatment that he has been offered.

“Having heard of Dan's situation, a friend set up a JustGiving page to try to raise enough money to help the family through the next few months. In five days the page has raised more than £7,500 from donations from friends, families and strangers who want to help.

Mr McCauley, of Throwley Close, in Pitsea, says the family are being encouraged to use the money to make as many memories as possible together in the time they have left.

A quiz night is being organised with Shaun Wallace, otherwise known as “The Dark Destroyer” from ITV's The Chase, to boost the fundraising further.

For more information, or to donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/luke-gregory