AN Elsecar man who is facing a battle with cancer is hoping to put his energy into creating a community garden for local children to use.

Abdul Samad, 52, lives near to Welland Crescent where he hopes to create the garden.

After being diagnosed with a type of cancer which affects his rectum and bowel, Abdul wanted to put his energy into something which could help his community – and he’s doing just that.

He said: “One of the areas of land near me is a bit of a dump.

“I’m planning to turn it into a community garden.

“I’ve started to clean the area and there’s a lot of rubbish.

“I’ve found quite a few needles.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to turn it into a place where people can plant seeds and children can learn some new things.

“After I was diagnosed with cancer I wanted to put my effort into something else – it’s making me feel better.”

Abdul is on the lookout for volunteers to help him with his mission.