Family and friends launch charity in brave mum’s name
Donations will help young cancer patients
The dream of a Maidstone mum to support young cancer patients has been realised, with the official launch of a charity in her name.
Hayley Martin had hoped to live to see Hayley’s Heroes gain registered status, but the 31-yearold lost her battle with the disease in January.
On Friday, family and friends gathered at MuMu in Week Street, Maidstone, pledging to keep her legacy alive through the fund.
The charity’s focus is on raising money to offer young adults with cancer and their loved ones a helping hand and to let them know that they are not alone in their fight.
At the launch, charity chairman and trustee Ray Martin made a toast to his daughter and thanked everyone for helping to make her dream come true.
It was followed by a heartfelt speech from friend John Counsell, one of the founding members of Hayley’s Heroes.
He said: “Hayley’s tireless fundraising and bravery touched our hearts in many ways. In my case it made me want to give to her what she had given to so many others, a little joy in dark times.
“Always remember we started by giving Hayley memories to share and we leave her with a legacy and an army of heroes continuing her dreams.”
Donations received will be used to give cancer patients and their families something to look forward to, whether it’s a short break, a special day out, or something to look forward to after treatment.
Hayley, a L’Oreal technician who lived in Loose Road, was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2011. Despite getting the all-clear she was told in September 2013 it had returned and was inoperable – just four months after she gave birth to her son Freddie. Since then she raised more than £10,000 for the Charles Dickens ward at Maidstone Hospital where she received her treatment and has had a room there named after her.
To get in touch with the charity visit www.hayleysheroes.com or email enquiries@hayleysheroes.com.