Pals rally round for brave Sharon
Fallin woman with rare cancer helps raise £6,140
A Stirling community came out in force to support a local woman battling cancer, who decided to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Sharon Dudgeon and her family made a whopping £6,140 from the charity night at Fallin Public House where they held a raffle and an auction, with entertainment from a live singer. A number of people including the landlord - were talked into a fundraising head shave or body waxing.
Sharon said: “Macmillan have been really helpful. I am so grateful for their advice and assistance about benefits, as well as their support when I had my hair shaved off. They have been there every step of the way.”
Sharon, 49, was diagnosed with peritoneal cancer in February. This is a rare form of the disease which develops in a thin layer of tissue which lines the abdomen. She has had four intensive chemotherapy sessions so far, as well as a blood transfusion. Her tumour has shrunk slightly, and a scan in a few weeks will reveal whether surgery is an option.
Along with her parents Brian and Janet Stephens, and siblings Julia, Diane, Caroline and Colin, she wanted to do something positive to raise cash for the charity which has helped her deal with her disease.
The family sold tickets to the fundraiser on March 19, and people gave their time for free - including the live singer and the local pub which donated use of the hall. Sister Diane’s workplace Carewatch Care Service Ltd also pledged £500. The family more than trebled their £2,000 target.
Fundraising manager for Forth Valley Pauline Macmillan said: “Every day in Scotland 88 people hear the news that they have cancer and this money will go a long way to helping us be there.”
Donations are still being taken at www.justgiving.com/SharonDudgeon1