A son who recently lost his mum to cancer has set up an online fundraising page to contribute towards a headstone for her burial plot.

Richard Dalton, 21, from Ashford lost his 58-year-old mum Susan Dalton in July after she suffered cancer, diabetes and breathing problems for 16 years.

Jim Dalton, Susan’s husband of 37 years, gave up work in 2010 to become her full-time carer.

Richard said: “We’ve still not got over it. Mum was a very caring person. She always thought about others.

“We’re still stabilising ourselves both emotionally and financially and I’m creating this JustGiving page in the hope someone, somewhere can help us contribute to have that piece of closure.

“Although we’d like to buy our own headstone or bench to remember such a wonderful mum and wife, we simple can’t fund it all.

“I grew up fast. With virtually no outside help or funding we did it on our own.

“We’ve never relied on others, somehow we’ve always got by, but this is too far out of reach.”

The average headstone can cost anywhere in the region of £800 to £1,200.

Mr Dalton snr, 64, said about the crowdfunding appeal: “It was Richard’s idea. I was a bit apprehensive at first but he said a friend did it for their mum’s funeral, so I thought we’ll try.

“If other people do it for things like this, it must be okay. Even if we get a little bit, that’s something.”

Susan’s grave is currently marked with a cross but the family would like something more permanent.

Money raised will go towards the headstone and potentially a memorial bench if there are surplus funds.

Jim continued: “If we go over the £2,000 target then I will donate the other money to the Pilgrim’s Hospice or Cancer Research."

After six years of caring for Susan, Jim is looking to return to work in the near future.

The family have already raised over £400 on the crowdfunding page.

Richard said: “I’m sure that in this day and age, you know or have known somebody battling cancer and know just how hard it can be for all.

“We would be grateful of any donations. If people have Facebook that they can share it on, feel welcome to share it.”

To donate to Richard’s crowdfunding page, visit the Just Giving page here.