A day packed full with events, treats and family friendly fun, local lady, Elaine Holroyd has worked hard to pull off a community get together for the people of Roberttown to help raise funds for The Kirkwood.

Having a history of the cancer in her family, Elaine was diagnosed with kidney cancer back in 2014. She then received the devastating news that she was terminally ill with the disease in her spine, shoulder and uterus in 2018.

Despite her continuing battle, Elaine has decided to try and raise over £6,000 for The Kirkwood after receiving care throughout her illness as a thank you to the charity for the care and support she is currently receiving.

When Elaine was first diagnosed in 2014, she reached out to The Kirkwood for support before having surgery that helped her to recover. In the midst of her diagnosis, Elaine met her partner, now husband, Chris, and enjoyed life with him before planning their wedding in 2018. She then was devastatingly diagnosed with terminal cancer later that year.

Elaine was again offered emotional and physical support from The Kirkwood; she was grateful for all the help after receiving the crushing news.

Elaine comments: “We couldn’t have managed without The Kirkwood. They really helped us emotionally. Yes, I’m suffering with cancer, but it’s the family members that also need support.”

“A few years before I had my first experience with cancer in 2014, I cycled from John O’Groats to Lands End and raised £1,700 for The Kirkwood. Then, when it was the Sir Captain Tom Moore Appeal for his 101st birthday, I baked 101 buns and wanted to raise £101 but ended up raising £135.

“Then we decided to take part in The Kirkwood Get Together this September. It started with us having two stalls in the community centre but then it just snowballed from there into the big event it is now.

Elaine is delighted that the whole family are involved with organising the event. She adds: “The whole family are having their head shaved. We did this in 2014 but we raised money for cancer research where this time it is for The Kirkwood. I am fortunate to have so many good family and friends.”

On the day, Elaine’s Big Get Together in Roberttown will be filled with stalls and family-friendly activities for everyone to get involved in with some fantastic raffle prizes up for grabs. Guests can enjoy a range of food and sweet treats, including a BBQ and cake stalls. There will be a Virtual Dog Show competition in the lead up to the day, with the winners decided at the event.

If you’d like to join Elaine at her Get Together on 11th September at Roberttown Community Hall, you can find all the details here (link FB event).

The Kirkwood Support Life for patients and their families, every step of the way, in many different ways, at every stage of illness and in bereavement. For details of how you can help The Kirkwood Support Life visit www.supportlife.co.uk