TWO sisters have staged a charity ball to raise thousands of pounds and awareness to help others with the cancer that caused their mum an early death.
Around 16,000 people die from bowel cancer every year – making it the fourth most common type with only breast, prostate and lung cancer taking more lives.
Glain and Teleri Vaughan-Evans, aged 23 and 31, from Ruthin, have paid tribute to their mother, Bethan, a council social worker and charity volunteer, from Gellifor, who died from the condition last year aged 58, just 18 months after she was diagnosed.
As Bethan’s 60th birthday approaches, £12,431.25 has been raised in her name at a charity fundraising ball at the Vale Country Club, Ruthin for Bowel Cancer UK, the leading bowel cancer charity that provides support for victims and their families.
Father Ian, 60, sister Awel, 28, and brothers Hedd, 34 and Alun, 18 also contributed to the fundraising effort.
Glain said: “It has been a very hard year but this event has helped as I have been concentrating on the fundraiser.
“Mum would be turning 60 so we wanted to do something in her memory. We wanted to build awareness and help other families as I did not know much about it when my mum was diagnosed and after I did some research online.”
Bethan worked for county council social services and volunteered for Christian Aid, the charity for sustainable development, poverty and disaster relief in poorer countries around the world.
Glain said: “Mum would have enjoyed the fundraising event. She was always a caring person and would have done anything for anyone.
“We were only aiming to raise half as much as we have. We are very grateful for how generous people have been, it has given us comfort as a family.”
Michael Locke, Wales Fundraising Manager for Bowel Cancer UK, said: "We are extremely grateful to Glain and Teleri for their incredible fundraising for the charity in memory of their mother.
“Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in Wales. Their support will help stop people dying of the disease by funding vital services and life-saving research.”
For more information on Bowel Cancer UK visit www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk
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