A Wisbech woman who joined a charity shop team as a volunteer after battling a brain tumour raised more than £1,000 by holding an art auction.
Nadine Ridgewell, who works at Cancer Research in Cromwell Road, Wisbech, organised the fundraiser – which also included cake stalls, a raffle and live music – in aid of Stand up To Cancer.
She said: “I had a brain tumour when I was 19 which left me in need of brain surgery to remove the tumour.
“But they couldn’t remove the entire tumour so I had radiotherapy and I lost a lot of hair and the steroids made me go to 15 stone whereas I was slim before.
“So I was left on 16 tablets a day and infertile. I was very ill for a long time; I had not worked for 15 years but Addenbrooke’s Hospital got my medication levels right and I started to volunteer at Cancer Research.
“It brought my confidence back and I love all the staff and volunteers. Now, after two years as a volunteer, I am a full-time paid employee at the shop.
“I love my job and all that they do to help kick cancer so I advise anyone feeling low on confidence or lonely, no matter what age, to get in contact and join our Cancer Research UK family.
Of the fundraiser, she added: “It was a really great night. Thank you to everyone who showed their support and attended the evening event and for all the people who made cakes and everyone who gave up their time to help.
“We raised well over £1,000 on Friday night with all the bids from the live art auction which came to over £800, we then we had cake stalls, a raffle and a auction on a micro flight.
“I also want to thank the mayor and mayoress of Wisbech, councillors Peter Human and Janet Tanfield, for attending and buying a picture in the auction.”
Nicole added that the charity shop is always looking for volunteers to help and said “we are a big family team, a lot of the volunteers have gained firm friendships... there has even been a few love stories!”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here