Young superheroes raise cash after mum diagnosed with cancer.

AS a way of helping her family stay positive, following a diagnosis of grade three invasive ductal breast cancer, mother of two, Sammy Jo Noble, encouraged sons Josh, ten, and Ben, 13, to do something to support the cancer services that care for patients in County Durham.

Josh loves cooking and his speciality is cheesecake – so he hit the kitchen and began baking, then selling portions, to help raise money for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust’s Charity. He made lots of different flavours and has raised an amazing £1,148.

Ben prefers being outdoors, so challenged not only himself, but also his grandad, Joe Woods, to cycle from their homes in Easington Lane to Hartlepool – just over 16 miles. They managed to do the ride in one go, ending up at their destination tired, but proud. Between them they have raised an incredible £6,683 – which has been donated to support the services caring for Sammy Jo.

Mr Wood said: “We had our challenges, firstly in not training for this ride and it being further than I thought on the day, then Ben’s chain came off and he had a panic when I said he would need to walk the rest of the way – but it was soon fixed and I’m glad to say, although we faltered a few times, we did it.

“Ben’s recovery was one day – for me I was glued to the sofa for three days and couldn’t move, but it was all for such a great cause it made the pain worthwhile.’

Pat Chambers, charity development manager for CDDFT charity, said: “It is humbling that these young people, not forgetting grandad Joe, have both rallied their communities to support their fundraising to help us improve the cancer care facilities within our hospitals in County Durham and Darlington.

“Cancer affects so many lives and patients in our care have continued to receive treatment during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Much of our fundraising traditionally takes place by holding or attending large scale events, which isn’t possible at the moment and, as we really don’t know when it may be possible again we’re trying to finding new ways to fundraise. We’re also more dependent than ever on individuals and businesses raising money for us – if you think you can help, we’d love to hear from you.”

You can continue to make a donation to the young fundraisers’ cause via https://bit.ly/2LYIKtt

To contact the charity team, telephone 01325-743781 or email Cddft.charity@nhs.net

Source: The Northern Echo By Jo Kelly

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