20 Aug 2021 Care

The Bobtown Family Get Together to raise vital funds for The Kirkwood

Elaine Holroyd will be hosting a Get Together for The Kirkwood Saturday 11th September to raise vital funds for the charity. Hoping to raise £6,000, Elaine wants to say thank you for the care she is currently receiving.

Elaine Holroyd was sadly diagnosed with kidney cancer back in 2014. Having a history of the cancer in her family, Elaine 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. Elaine is appreciative of all the support both her and her family have received over the years.

Elaine says: "We couldn't have managed without The Kirkwood. They helped us emotionally and helped us sort out our finances. That was the biggest thing, The Kirkwood looked after my family, they supported them. Yes I'm suffering with cancer, but it's the family members that also need support."

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.

She is now looking to raise vital funds by organising a big event at Roberttown Community Hall to give back to The Kirkwood.

"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,” Elaine continues.

"And 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.

“My sister and I realised we hadn't done much to raise money since I'd been diagnosed again. After taking part in Captain Tom 100 earlier in the year, 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 and Chris on their wedding day earlier this year

 

"On the day we've got lots going on. It has helped to keep my mind off my illness and the pain. However, I do wonder what I'll do when this is all over. Now I know Joanna, one of the Community Fundraiser, she has said she'll get me involved in other stuff which is great.

"I have been so focussed on running this charity event I haven't needed to ring my counsellor, Tracey Addy, to get any additional emotional support."

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. Guests can enjoy a range of food and sweet treats, including a BBQ (vegetarian options available) and cake stalls. There will even be a Virtual Dog Show competition in the lead up to the day, with the winners decided at the event.

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."

The family's first headshave in 2014

 

She also revealed that there are some spectacular prizes to win at the raffle too.

"I walked around so many shops for raffle prizes. Our first prize is a £100 spa day voucher. Second prize is a voucher for a meal at an Italian restaurant and third prize is afternoon tea for two at a cafe in Cleckheaton. We have lots more prizes too. It's amazing how the community has helped me."

If you’d like to join Elaine at her Get Together, you can find all the details by clicking here.