Shropshire Star

Telford grandmother raising funds for cancer cause weeks after diagnosis

A Telford grandmother has organised a charity ball to raise money to fight cancer – a month after being told her own cancer is terminal.

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Marion Groves, 67, has arranged the ball with her family to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support and Asbestos Support West Midlands.

Mrs Groves, of Dawley, has mesothelioma, a form of cancer which develops in tissue covering the lungs or the abdomen.

She has never smoked.

Mrs Groves is being supported by Severn Hospice, and her family say they cannot thank the nurses enough for their help.

Daughter Mandy James, 41, from Shrewsbury, said: "We wanted to do something happy, and something for my mum to look forward to.

"She is deteriorating rapidly so I wanted a social event that would bring like-minded people together, to help raise money for these fantastic charities.

"We are also encouraging local businesses to get involved, so they can help spread the word about this type of cancer.

"It is really frightening how quick mum is deteriorating. She was only diagnosed seven weeks ago.

"With a lot of cancers you may be told that you are going be okay but with mum's there is no known cure."

She added: "People assume it is mainly men who can catch this form of cancer due to working on industrial estates, but I want to make people aware that females can develop this kind of cancer too.

"Men are reluctant to go to the doctor, but having charity nights like this should help people go to the doctor. Especially men, because the quicker you go the faster you can get treatment started."

The charity ball will take place at the Holiday Inn in Telford on Saturday, January 31.

Businesses are being asked to support the event through either sponsorship or donations to the cause.

There will also be an auction and raffle on the evening.

Tickets are £25 and includes a three-course meal.

For more information about the ball contact Mandy James on 07976 113730.

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