Dear Sir,
About two years ago my Mum had a cancerous tumour in her bowel, which was removed and went on to having a three monthly blood test. In January 2020, they came back and weren’t right, so from then until July she underwent a CT scan, PET CT and then an MRI.
My husband took her to the RVI, where she was told they had found another tumour, however, an operation would be too dangerous for her so suggested chemotherapy.
In August we saw the chemotherapy specialist who informed us that chemotherapy was too dangerous and suggested she go and live her life. Mum was pleased about this, as she didn’t want to have surgery or chemotherapy. However, due to Covid-19, she couldn’t really go out, or do anything – so living her life was limited.
Through all of this I got in touch with Alison White (Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group), who met Mum, sent flowers, food parcels and even got in touch with Livin to sort out adaptations at Mums home to help her get about.
During Mums illness I decided I would conduct a raffle with family and friends to help the charity and managed to raise £150. Mum also wanted to contribute, but passed away before she could, she also did not see how much I managed to raise.
I also placed a collection plate at her funeral, where we raised another £80, so I was able to give Alison £230 for the Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group.
I feel that local charities need local support and the likes of Cancer Research etc., are just such big institutions that £230 is just lost, whereas you can see straight away how this local charity are using their funds. The charity are also continuing to support me and my Dad, so they just don’t stop when the family member passes, and I wanted to be able to say thank you to them for the support they give.
Janine Mawson
Photo shows Janine and raffle prize winner Julie Rocket, also a photo of my Mum, Betty Todd.
