A cancer survivor celebrated being five years free of the disease with a charity event to raise money for the Walsall service that cared for her.
Tracey Astbury, 57, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. She recently marked her five years all clear milestone with a Northern Soul charity night, raising £1,700 for the Chemotherapy Unit at Walsall Manor Hospital.
“I was asked if I’d organise another charity night to support the Chemotherapy Unit, following the success of my previous two events,” said Tracey.
Her fundraising efforts began in 2019 with two creative challenges: a ‘Build a Burger’ relay and a ‘Brave the Shave’ event, during which a friend shaved her head to help raise £5,000.
She then hosted a Masquerade Charity Ball in Wednesbury, which raised £5,266.
Tracey, who works as a Tenant Liaison Officer, said: “I was proud of the first two events I organised, and I always vowed to myself that I’d give back to the Chemotherapy Unit following my treatment.”
For her latest event, Tracey teamed up with Stateside DJ Bob, who kindly offered to DJ for free on the night. Ticket sales, a raffle, and a game of Play Your Cards Right, helped her raise the impressive £1,700.
“I’m forever grateful,” Tracey said. “Without the love and support of my family and friends, none of this would have been possible.”
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, added: “it was lovely to see Tracey again and we really appreciate her amazing efforts. This is her third fundraising event, and we’re so thankful for her continued support over the last five years. There are still a few little bits we want in order to complete the recent refurbishment on the unit, and this money will enable us to do that”
