The husband of a woman who is being treated for cancer has given up alcohol for 500 days to raise money for vital research.

From today Dean Towlson, 55, from Barwell, has exactly a year left of not letting a drop of beer, wine or spirits pass his lips.

His wife Claire is currently undergoing the clinical trial of a new cancer treatment after being diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma last year.

Dean hopes to collect more than £2,500 to fund University of Leicester research into CLL therapy, which treats conditions such as his wife's.

Ex-policeman Dean said: "I'll never forget the day she was diagnosed, it'll stay in my mind forever.

"I'm so happy Claire managed to get a place on the trial but I really feel for the people who didn't. That's one of the main reasons I'm raising the money for the research.

"It's been tough work, especially this week because I've been working hard in the garden and all I want is a cold beer. But I'm doing it for a good cause, it'll be hard but I know I can reach the 500-day mark. I'm asking people to sponsor me, so far the response has been great but for something this important you can never receive enough donations."

Claire, 48, was diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, last August.

She was chosen to take part in clinical trial for the drug Rituximab, which has the same benefits of chemotherapy, but with fewer side effects.

She said: "I was very lucky to get a place on the trial scheme.

"I was the only one chosen out of the five people who applied.

"The results have been fairly positive so far. Dean's doing very well, I'm very proud of him because I know how much he likes the odd tipple.

"If he can raise some money for a good cause while he's at it then that's great."

Her condition inspired Dean to raise money for Leicestershire charity Hope Against Cancer, which supports the University of Leicester's research into Rituximab.

Researcher Renata Waleska has been looking into CLL therapy since February 2004.

She said: "Rituximab is an antibody that targets only the bad cells, unlike chemotherapy which attacks everything.

"My research is looking for new avenues and developments.

"Therefore any donations we receive are vital to the progress of our research."

Co-ordinator for Hope Against Cancer Wendi Stevens said: "We wish Dean success in his challenge and are grateful for his support and will power.

"We are delighted that his wife Claire has been selected for the Rituximab trial and wish her a full recovery.

"By continuing to raise funds for local research we hope that more and more cancer sufferers in Leicestershire will benefit from local trials which play a key role in the continuing fight against cancer."

To sponsor Dean visit: www.justgiving.com/dean-goesdry4-500days.