They've fought cancer six times - but a charity has always been there for this courageous Hartlepool couple

A Hartlepool couple – who have fought cancer six times between them – has praised a town charity for always being there.
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Courageous Bob Flanagan, 75, has prostate cancer.

He has just had to quit driving after he kept having dizzy spells and low blood pressure.

His wife Dot, 71, has battled cancer on five different occasions.

Dot and Bob Flanagan who have received marvellous support from Miles For Men.Dot and Bob Flanagan who have received marvellous support from Miles For Men.
Dot and Bob Flanagan who have received marvellous support from Miles For Men.
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She has had half of her bowel removed, two parts of a lung taken out, lymph nodes removed and then got cancer in her lung again.

Now, she is being monitored for both lung cancer for the fourth time and for problems with lymph nodes once more.

Throughout it all, a town charity has always been there for them.

Miles for Men stepped in once again last week when they heard Bob had to give up his car.

Bob and Dot Flanagan with the donated mobility scooter.Bob and Dot Flanagan with the donated mobility scooter.
Bob and Dot Flanagan with the donated mobility scooter.
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The charity donated a mobility scooter to Bob so he could still get out and about. Bob said: “I can’t fault them. They have been a lifeline for us and they have done wonders.”

Just last year, Dot and Bob Flanagan got to renew their wedding vows in style thanks to Miles for Men.

They had been married for 54 years and hoped to renew their vows on their 50th anniversary until Dot was too poorly.

Dot even finally got to wear her dream dress that she couldn't wear the first time around.

Bob and Dot Flanagan's praise for Miles for Men.Bob and Dot Flanagan's praise for Miles for Men.
Bob and Dot Flanagan's praise for Miles for Men.
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All this was down to Miles for Men and Dot said: “Every bit of it was thanks to them. They have been fantastic for us.”

They renewed their vows at the Avenue Ballroom & Function Room, in Hartlepool, and Miles For Men worked with a long list of local companies to make the day special.

The couple have been together for 55 years and first met at the famous Queen’s Rink.

Bob had various jobs including on roadworks, working with fibreglass and then in the steelworks.

Bob Flanagan gives a thumbs up to Miles for Men for the donated mobility scooter.Bob Flanagan gives a thumbs up to Miles for Men for the donated mobility scooter.
Bob Flanagan gives a thumbs up to Miles for Men for the donated mobility scooter.

Dot worked for Morrells bakers in her younger days.

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These days, said Dot, they “live for our seven grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren with two more on the way”.

Poorly children have been given holidays while others received much-needed wheelchairs, bikes or trikes.

Some youngsters got the chance to have extra medical treatment to help them have the best chance in life. And deserving parents across town have been treated to spa days, flowers and afternoon teas.

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Miles For Men has given food donations during lockdown and supported people with cancer and those in hospices.

A flashback to 2020 when Hartlepool couple Bob and Dot Flanagan were set to renew their wedding vows while both fighting cancer. They renewed their vows with help from Miles For Men who were represented in the photo by Lee Wilmot and founder Micky Day (right).A flashback to 2020 when Hartlepool couple Bob and Dot Flanagan were set to renew their wedding vows while both fighting cancer. They renewed their vows with help from Miles For Men who were represented in the photo by Lee Wilmot and founder Micky Day (right).
A flashback to 2020 when Hartlepool couple Bob and Dot Flanagan were set to renew their wedding vows while both fighting cancer. They renewed their vows with help from Miles For Men who were represented in the photo by Lee Wilmot and founder Micky Day (right).

In 2012, Miles for Men held its first event.

Charity founder Micky Day started a 5k run in memory of his father, Michael Day senior, who died aged 68 after a one-year battle with throat cancer.

That first run attracted 1,000 runners and raised more than £40,000.

Since then, people have fundraised for Miles for Men in incredible ways.

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Founder Micky said Dot and Bob were ‘two amazing people who have been through so much together.”

He added: “It's priceless the way they still look at each other. They are just true warriors who we all love at Miles For Men.”

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