IT'S been a sad year for a Dee Valley fundraiser, who has continued to raised thousands of pounds for a cancer cause.

Ali Alcock, from Corwen, raised an amazing amount of money for charity over the course of the year.

However, Ali said: "This year cancer made it personal again.

"Both my dad and my cousin were diagnosed with cancer in January.

"My dad had prostate cancer but thankfully has had the all clear.

"My cousin Mark Weeks was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour and sadly lost his battle in September of this year.

"He was a complete inspiration to me.

"It takes a special type of person to fight a battle with such dignity, pride, strength and for the majority of the time a smile on his face and that twinkle in his eye, knowing he could not beat it.

"So he made me strive for more, be braver, and achieve so much more."

Ali, 44, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2015.

After failed treatments, the only option left was for her to have a hysterectomy and following this, when was given the all clear.

Six year on and Ali has raised thousands of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

"My fundraising goes by the Big C part one, two, three and four," added Ali.

"This year was part five."

She added: "(To) quadruple my annual amount, I can’t tell you how chuffed I am and I’m dedicating it in loving memory of my cousin and every penny is going direct to Macmillan Cancer Support."

In the first four years of fundraising, she raised around £5,000 per year with events such as charity nights, walks, a kit off for cancer calendar, a skydive, competitions and cake sales.

"Over this time my reputation has built and I have made lots of new friends, sponsors, generous donators," said Ali.

"I have also done a lot on the media side with Macmillan including my very own Macmillan video - a film crew from London came to Corwen to film - appeared on the news a few times, radio interviews, articles in papers and magazines, blogs and I was selected to appear in the Boots No 7 campaign with Macmillan and was taken to London to Camden Road studios for a makeover and photoshoot and filming.

"I’m also the North Wales representative on the Macmillan Volunteers Forum, a lead volunteer and ambassador for Macmillan."

For part five of her Big C fundraising drive, Ali has done a Miles for Macmillan hike, a Masterpieces for Macmillan art exhibition, a Macmillan quiz night, a Guys and Molls Hairdresser, Chirk Macmillan event, and a coffee morning.

In addition, she has attended markets and fairs, while family members have donated in memory of their loved ones.

There have also been Facebook competitions and raffles.

"But my main challenge was a Wing Walk for Weeksy," said Ali.

"Dedicated to my cousin and I’m so glad he was here to see it and was so proud of our achievement.

"This was sponsored by Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd and they also gave a massive cash donation. They provided support to me every year with my fundraising and I am truly appreciative.

"I always say I never do this alone. I collaborate with the most amazing people.

"Some close friends, some new friends who contact me to do events with them.

"I try and keep it fresh and think of new things all the time to keep it fresh!

"And though it is a very serious topic I try and put the fun in fundraising!"