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MACCLESFIELD has dug deep and rallied round to raise money to give terminally-ill Dave Hall the opportunity to go on an American drug trial to extend his life.

And now we can happily announce the fact that he is almost on his way after all the cash has been found thanks to you - the readers of the Macclesfield Express.

After his brave kids put their toys on eBay last week and raised £1,500, Maxonians have come forward in their droves to give to the cancer-suffering dad-of-three - including millionaire Paul "The Plumber" Davidson who has personally donated £3,000.

Well-wishers have called to the family's Rotherhead Drive home to donate, dropped cash into the Express office and given generously at Silktown Snooker Club on Green Street - one of Dave's favourite haunts.

The former metal turner's wife, Shirley, 40, has been overwhelmed by the amazing gifts the family has received since the heartbreaking story of her husband's plight was exclusively told by the Express.

She said: "It feels like everyone is pulling for us. We knew Dave had friends, but not this many and it makes the pain more bearable.

"We even had a young boy and a girl call to the house to give their £4.50 pocket money - after they had gone I broke down in tears."

Speaking from Tenerife, Paul "The Plumber" Davidson, who has taken the figure raised near to the £5,000 mark needed for the life-prolonging treatment in the USA, said: "I hope the money I give can go a long way to giving Dave a little more time with his family."

Househusband, Dave, 40, was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour last October and is currently undergoing an intensive six-month course of chemotherapy.

If unsuccessful, then the family's GP has recommended that Dave go for a £5,000 trial of cancer drug Reception in Boston, America.

Dave's favourite Chinese restaurant, the Delhi Garden, where he is treated like "royalty", has donated £250 - from both the staff and the bosses - showing just how well liked he is.

Owner Alan Law said: "Dave is a good man - we just wanted to give his family a little bit of money."

The school attended by Dave's stepdaughter Daniella, All Hallows, is also raising money in a novel way.

when head, Tony Billings, realised that his kids couldn't access eBay from the school computers, he wracked his brain to come up with a scheme throgh which the school's youngsters could fundraise.

On Friday, May 4, the kids will be constructing a 'Golden Mile' made entirely of £1 coins stretching around the school, and afterwards inviting friends of All Hallows to add to the total. Other events are planned too, with DJ Paul Hogan arranging a Seventies and Eighties night at Macclesfield Football Club in June and Silktown Snooker Club looking to put on a fundraiser.

Keep giving your money because surplus funds will be donated to Cancer Research UK. If you wish to give to the Save Dave Fund call into the Express' Chestergate office or the Silktown Snooker Club on Green Street.