THE nephew of a cancer sufferer has helped spread the smiles after organising a series of fundraisers to help raise £2,000 for Macmillan.

After his aunt was diagnosed with the disease, Paul Allender, 31, decided to help make a positive difference.

He has worked with Anarchy Tattoo Studio, located at Unique Barbers on Duke Street, to offer ‘smiley’ tattoos with different coloured designs to represent various types of cancer.

And the initial two-day event has taken off with the tattoos still being offered.

“Around sixty people have had a tattoo one so far and we are still looking to do more,” said Paul, from Sutton, who is currently studying youth work at St Helens College after working in security for 10 years.

“We even had someone who has been diagnosed with cancer come in for a smiley. We have raised around £200 but with merchandise and T-shirts this should raise more.

“My auntie got diagnosed just before Christmas and I just wanted to do something positive for the town and my granddad had cancer. This is what motivated me in the first place,” added Paul who had three smiley tattoos on his arm.

He has also co-operated with the barbers who have offered smiley head shaves as a less permanent option and Bar 44 who held a party event and are hosting a bucket collection.

Paul also arranged for a ‘strong man’ competition and sponsored cardio sessions at AD Bodytech which will be held on Tuesday, January 27 and throughout this week.

Also a sponsored walk is to be held on February 1.

“I’d like to thank Ste Cliffe from the tattoo studio, Ste Lawler from Bar 44, Mustafa Cayir from the barbers and Andy Degiorgio from AD Bodytech for their help.”

For further details of the fundraising events and to get involved contact Paul on 07842 840762 or get in touch on Facebook with ‘Paul Pablo Allender’.