Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Generous fundraisers step up to help Tracey
Greg and Tracey Burke were busy planning their wedding when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer aged just 27.
Now, three years on, Tracey’s “last hope” is to go to Germany to try a pioneering immunotherapy treatment – costing £90,000.
The Tele previously told of Gav McGrath, Barry Patterson, Grant Alexander, Stew MacMillan and Jim McGrath who are currently cycling the length of the UK to raise money.
However, after word spread about Tracey’s plight, a fundraising Facebook page was set up – with hundreds of local people offering to hold events, donate items and money and a host of other ideas in a bid to get the 30-year-old to Germany. Within days, more than £20,000 has been pledged to the cause.
Greg, 34, a former Morgan Academy pupil, said: “It is unbelievable what has happened in such a short space of time – I can’t keep up with it.
“I’m taken aback with how friends, family and complete strangers have come together to help us.
“There are so many things people are trying to do to raise money.
“I was given a cheque by Ryan Wiseman from Pitkerro Plumbing & Heating Limited for £1,000 which was incredible.
“Tracey had bowel surgery last week and was in the HDU for the best part of a week.
“I’ve been telling her everything that has been going on and she is really feeling t he l ove from everyone.
“It goes far all these positive vibes, I’ve no doubt they are helping her recover. She is feeling a lot better and she is out of the HDU now.
“We are hoping she will be home in the next week.
“Once she is back on her feet we will get her away for this treatment in Germany, which uses your own immune system to fight the cancer.
“It has been quite successful in many cases. Hearing all these stories has really helped lift Tracey’s spirits.”
Fundraising events include a quiz night, raffles, sponsored walks and bake sales.
People who want further information can visit: facebook.com/groups/ 782743161916396.
To donate to Tracey’s fundraising page, which has raised nearly £20,000, visit: gofundme. com/5j5jdbc.
THE husband of a young woman with cancer has hailed the “unbelievable” fundraising efforts by friends and strangers trying to send her to Germany for potentially life-saving treatment.