Wirral mum's cancer battle inspires daughter to organise charity fete (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral mum's cancer battle inspires daughter to organise charity fete

11:42am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in News By Craig Manning

A WIRRAL student whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer has organised a charity fete in aid of Clatterbridge Centre for oncology.

Gill Donnelly, from West Kirby, was diagnosed in December and is due to finish her course of chemotherapy treatment in May.

Daughter Kirsty, 17, a student at Hilbre High School in Newton, has organised a fundraising day, which will be held at St Michael & All Angels church hall in Frankby Road, Newton, on March 31.

On the day there will be a number of stalls, a raffle and a chance to win a cuddly lion if you can come up with a name.

Gill, 44, a nursery nurse who has devoted her spare time to help Kirsty organise the fundraiser, told the Globe: "I'm so in awe of what Kirsty has done. It's amazing. I can't thank her enough.

"Local businesses have got involved by donating prizes for the grand raffle and we've also had a lot of support from schools.

"It's humbling to think that they have wanted to help raise funds for such a very important cause.

"I'm not feeling too bad. I have up and down days, but helping to organise this charity event is keeping me going.

"I have been helping out, but Kirsty has done so much of the work. She’s just wonderful."

Kirsty said: "I'm trying to raise as much money as possible for Clatterbridge, because it's a local charity and close to people's hearts."

Jade Barrett, from Clatterbridge Centre for oncology's fundraising team, said: "We'd like to thank the Donnellys for helping to raise funds for the charity.

"We're amazed and really grateful. We've got £1.4m to raise this year and it’s thanks to people like Kirsty that we can get there and continue to provide treatment for people like Gill."

If you would like to help by donating auction items for the charity day on March 31, call Gill on 07716388572.