‘Go Yellow’ call to support cancer awareness month

A CHARITY is urging supporters to “Go Yellow” during September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

The month-long event is symbolised by a gold ribbon but Linthwaitebased Ruddi’s Retreat, which provides respite holidays for children with cancer or life-limiting illnesses, wants people to wear yellow instead.

Charity spokesman Vicki Green said: “Ruddi’s Retreat is putting their own spin on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by asking supporters to join their ‘Go Yellow’ campaign by turning their workplace, school, business or company yellow using one of their unique yellow fundraising boxes.

“The boxes are filled to the brim with T-shirts, trolley keys, wrist bands, flyers and pin badges and all they ask is that people dress in yellow for the day or make a donation for the items in the box.

“This is an annual international awareness month to raise support, funding and awareness of childhood cancers and the impact for sufferers and families of sufferers of childhood cancer.”

Ruddi’s Retreat was set up by Ali Waterworth when her son Ruddi Waterworth-Jones was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer aged just six months.

Ruddi is now 10 and the charity provides caravan holidays for families at a site in Primrose Valley. It has two caravans and a successful “Go Yellow” fundraising campaign will ensure a third caravan for 2019.

Vicki added: “Childhood cancer is devastating to growth and development in children, and devastating to their families and friends.

“At a time when young people should be focusing on school, play and socialising, if they have cancer, their focus can be on medication, operations, and what life they have left.”

Ali and Ruddi were rewarded for their charity work earlier this year when they were invited to Windsor Castle for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Ruddi looked cool in his shades, blue suit and bow tie – and a big sunflower in his lapel.

In addition to their ‘Go Yellow’ campaign Ruddi’s Retreat is also embarking on more fundraising events than ever before.

The first of many begins this Saturday at Broad Oak Bowling Club in Linthwaite when the renowned Craig ‘Elvis’ Simcock arrives to wow the audience with lots of Elvis classics.

Tickets are £10 per person and include a Bolster Moor pie and peas supper and can be purchased from Broad Oak Bowling Club or Ruddi’s Treat Rooms, Manchester Road, Linthwaite.

For more information ring 01484 766050 or visit ‘Ruddi’s Retreat’ on Facebook.