NEWLYWED Carole Darbyshire has had her life torn apart by the devastating news that her husband Roland is suffering from lung cancer.

The bombshell was delivered to the couple, of Ormerod Street, Accrington, after Roland went for an X-ray just four days after they tied the knot at Accrington Register Office.

Further tests revealed he had both small-cell and large-cell cancer.

Roland, 57, is now having chemotherapy, which has caused his hair to fall out.

And now Carole, 46, who works as a trainee practitioner for the National Autistic Society, has decided to have her own hair shaved off to raise money for the hospital where her husband is being treated.

She said: "Some people might think it's a big step, but it is nothing compared with what Roland has been going through. His hair was his pride and joy.

"Life has been like a roller coaster during the year. We now live our lives very differently. We used to go out a lot for meals and drinks, but Roland hasn't been well enough to do a lot of the things we used to do. He hasn't been able to drink alcohol because he has been too ill.

"The people on the Ribblesdale cancer ward at the Royal Preston Hospital have been fantastic.

"They provide transport to take us to the hospital and are very supportive. If you ask any question they will answer it for you."

Roland, who worked as a fitter for Burnley-based Hurel Espano, said: "I started to lose control of my hands around February and I began having pains. I went to see the doctor who sent me for an X-ray and that's when we found out."

The couple, who had been together seven years before they were married in February, have four children from previous marriages, Darren, Sharon, Joanne and Kirsty.

They were told an operation to remove Roland's affected lung would not be possible. They will find out how successful the chemotherapy has been later this year.

Roland said: "You realise you may be living on borrowed time and you just have to take it day by day. It has definitely affected my outlook on life.

"I can't be serious about things because the cancer is there and I just have to try to stay cheerful."

Carole added: "I have some fantastic friends who have all been great and we have had a lot of offers of support. We now just have to wait and see what happens."

Carole will have her head shaved at the Great Eastern pub on Arnold Street, Accrington, next Friday. Anyone wanting to make a donation or offer sponsorship can contact Carole on 233106.