A COUPLE from Stratford hosted a Halloween Ball to raise funds for Cancer Research UK following a devastating diagnosis.
Neil and Amy Brunton held the fancy dress Halloween Ball at their home and raised £1,450 in the process.
Neil was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer in July 2021. Since then, alongside his treatments and surgeries, he’s worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms, as well as encourage early diagnosis – especially amongst men who typically avoid seeking medical assistance.
Located in a marquee in their garden, they hosted a three-course dinner with a raffle, followed by a party until the early hours with entertainment from a DJ and caricaturist.
Amy said: “The Halloween Ball was incredible, and the costumes fantastic. It was the first time since Neil’s diagnosis that we’ve been able to spend time in this way with our friends and family – and, being able to raise such a fantastic amount for Cancer Research made it all the more worthwhile.”
Tickets for the Halloween Ball were sold out within two weeks of launching, but they’re planning many more fundraising events in the New Year. Over the past 18 months, Neil and Amy have organised several fundraisers including a Family Football Day, and have just launched their special 2022 Christmas Santa Video campaign.
Neil added: “It’s been a rollercoaster of a year. But, being able to arrange and host these fundraisers is a remarkable way to ensure that we remain positive. I’m so appreciative of the fantastic medical care I’ve received and I’m grateful I can give just a little back.
“Amy has been brilliant – not only as a supporting wife through one of the most difficult chapters of our lives, but in undertaking all the organising of these events. I’m currently recovering from a recent surgery and so couldn’t lift or carry anything to help with preparations, but Amy was the driving force to ensuring we all had a phenomenal evening”.
To follow Neil’s fundraising journey visit his Cancer Research UK fundraising page at https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/neils-giving-page-364
