Gin-ormous amount raised for cancer patient

Birchall Foodservice's charity '˜Big Girls' Night In' has raised almost £6,000 for a cancer patient hoping to have potentially life-changing treatment.
(From left) Krissy Fremont, Courtney Birchall, event organiser Louise Birchall, Sigourney Birchall, and Sue Yates.(From left) Krissy Fremont, Courtney Birchall, event organiser Louise Birchall, Sigourney Birchall, and Sue Yates.
(From left) Krissy Fremont, Courtney Birchall, event organiser Louise Birchall, Sigourney Birchall, and Sue Yates.

Kate Ann was originally diagnosed with Primary Breast Cancer at the age of 32 in 2010, just two weeks after the birth of her daughter, Lola. Despite suffering setbacks in 2012 - when the cancer spread to her bones, lungs, and liver - and in September this year - when she was told she would not make it to Christmas - Kate says she ‘doesn’t intent to give up without a fight.’

Having researched alternative treatments, Kate learned of the Hallwang Clinic in Germany, where the latest immunotherapy drugs have had amazing results with people in her situation, and is looking to raise the £250,000 needed for 12 months of treatment.

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Burnley-based Birchall Foodservice, an independent, family-owned business, learned of Kate Ann’s mission, and threw their support behind it, hosting the ‘Big Girls’ Night In’ on December 2nd, raising £5,800 at the gin-themed charity event.

Event organiser, Louise Birchall, said: “When I heard about Kate’s plight and her need to fund pioneering cancer treatment in Germany, I wanted to do something to help. What better way than to get a group of likeminded women together for a night of fun and gin tasting?”

The event featured food provided by Birchall Foodservice’s development chef, Paul Dickson, a DJ, a raffle, and an auction, as well as a taxi-service provided by Kelbrook-based A to B Vehicles. On the gin front, a Gin & Fizz Bar made an appearance courtesy of Burnley Mechanics, while attendants were entertained by a talk by Burnley-based Batch Gin.

One of the auction prizes was donated by the family of Victoria Waiting, who sadly died earlier this year from a brain tumour. Victoria, who was in the process of having immunotherapy, sadly did not have time to see the treatment through, and her family was keen to help anyone who would also like that chance.

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Latest news is that Kate’s tumour markers have reduced by 25% since she started treatment, offering hope that she could yet see her six-year-old daughter Lola grow up.

You can donate to Kate’s cause at https://www.gofundme.com/keepingkateanne.

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