A CHARITY champion who feels like ‘one of the lucky ones’ after winning her battle against cancer is determined to show that survivors can still live life to the full.
Carol Holliday, 61, from Whitburn, was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine health check last year.
Doctors discovered the condition in time and Ms Holliday had a successful operation to remove a lump in her breast in September, followed by an intense course of radiotherapy.
She was given the all-clear after completing her radiotherapy sessions in November and was determined to give something back to those who gave her vital support at her time of need and make the most of her reprieve.
The mum-of-one raised £1,500 for the Daft As A Brush charity, based at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, which organises free transport to and from appointments for cancer patients, at a fundraiser at Whitburn Cricket Club on Saturday night.
Ms Holliday said: “I feel like I’m one of the lucky ones. My cancer was caught in time. I want to show that you can get over it and live a full life. After I was diagnosed I had a lump removed, and had 15 radiotherapy sessions in three weeks. It was very intense.
“Lots of friends offered to give me lifts to and from the hospital, but I thought, just because my life is on hold, doesn’t mean theirs should be too.
“I then found out about the Daft As A Brush charity. They drive you to appointments and they’re also good companions. I wanted to do something for them.”
Ms Holliday sold all 100 tickets for the cricket club bash, thanks to support from friends, family and well-wishers.
Ms Holliday added: “We raised £827.50 on the night and Barclays Bank, where I used to work, gave another £750. It was fantastic, everyone enjoyed it. We had a pie and pea supper, entertainment from Banned Again, who gave their services for free, tombola, a raffle and auctions.” The fundraiser proved a family affair, with son Daniel Holliday, a chemistry student at Newcastle University, helping out to make the night a big success.
For more information on Daft As A Brush, visit www.daftasabrush.org.uk
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