The heartbroken family of a devoted dad who died on his mother’s birthday are raising thousands of pounds to keep his memory alive.

Father-of-three Jason Mills, of Repton Manor Road, Ashford, was diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2015.

The 49-year-old was given the all-clear following treatment but his cancer returned last year.

He died in December on his mother Val's birthday after being given just two weeks to live.

His wife Laura, 31, said: “Jason was always there for you, he would do anything for you.

“He had a very good work ethic and one of the things that frustrated him when he was diagnosed was that he could not go back to work.

“I will always remember him for being a big fan of Elvis - he wanted our youngest to be named after him but I said he could have it as a middle name.”

Mr Mills’ family has now pledged to raise at least £2,500 for the Pilgrims Hospice in his memory.

The Hythe Road hospice looked after Jason, a former labourer, during his final weeks and the family said its support and flexibility during the tough time made their final days with him as easy as possible.

Laura, who had five-year-old Evie and one-year-old Reggie with Jason, added: “We are fundraising because the hospice helped us so much.

“It made those last two weeks so much easier for us because it was hard for us to be away from the kids, although they were able to stay there with their dad but we didn’t want them to.

“The volunteers were amazing, bringing around drinks and making sure you could visit any time you wanted to.”

Mr Mills’ sisters - Tracey and Gemma - have already raised more than £1,500 for good causes.

Tracey, of Faversham Road, raised £800 after running the Brighton Marathon while Gemma raised £690 having her head shaved for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Jason’s sister-in-law, Rachel Priston, drummed up £305 for the hospice by also taking part in the Brighton Marathon.

Tracey said: “When Gemma had her head shaved last August, Jason was there and at the time was recovering, or so we thought, from very major surgery.

“Unfortunately his cancer came back with a vengeance in November and he passed away on December 2.

"Laura is now widowed at only 30 years of age and bringing up to small children.

“She is determined to keep his memory alive by raising money for the Pilgrims Hospice.

"The hospice was absolutely fantastic to Jason and our family in his last weeks.”

The family has now arranged a fun day which will be held at the Swan Centre in Cudworth Road, Willesborough, on Saturday.

It will run from 1pm to 4pm and will include a bouncy castle, stalls, face painting, tombola, raffle, tea and cakes and more. A 50p entry charge will apply.

Jason is also survived by his 23-year-old daughter, Ava.