Malcolm Wreford, who is treasurer of Long Melford's British Legion Club, says he knows he does not have much time left.

But the former Lt Colonel with the Army Cadet Force, who has given years of service to military organisations, is determined to leave the club with its finances secure.

Mr Wreford, 63, and his wife Audrey have been closely involved in rebuilding Melford Royal British Legion branch and social club. He also organises the branch's Corps of Drums band.

For the past three months Malcolm and fellow member Julie Murcott have been going through the books of the club to get it on a sound footing.

But less than a month ago he was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer which has spread to his brain.

Now he has been told he may have only a few months to live.

Fighting

"My aim is to get things working in the correct fashion and I intend to keep fighting the cancer until I can achieve it," he said.

"I know my time is short, which is why I need someone I can train and bring on to keep the British Legion Club running smoothly."

Mrs Wreford said the cancer diagnosis had come as a terrible shock. She paid tribute to her husband's selfless attitude.

"The Legion has always been so important to him. He wants to teach somebody how to do the treasurer's job before he gets to the point where he can't do it.

"I really don't know where he gets his courage from."

Mr Wreford, who took early retirement from his job with an aggregates company, used to be second in command of the Essex Army Cadet Force is self-trained in accountancy.

He said ideally the person who takes over from him as treasurer of the club would have business, management and accounts experience, although training will be given. The job will only involve a couple of hours of work each week.

• Anyone who thinks they could help should call 01787 310695 for further information, or write to him at the Long Melford Royal British Legion Social Club Ltd, Cordell Road, Long Melford CO10 9EH.

barbara.eeles@sudbury today.co.uk