A WOMAN who was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin lymphoma when she was just 16 says she “wouldn’t be here” if it was not for the support of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Emily Collingwood, 23 from Weardale, is now in remission. But she explained to guests at an event at Startforth Community Centre just how much the foundation, which helps support youngsters diagnosed with cancer, had helped keep her positive while she was fighting the disease.
Ms Collingwood received specialist support at the trust’s unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle.
She added: “Having cancer has changed me for the better. But I don’t know whether I would be here without the trust.”
The event last week was organised by a long-time supporter of the trust, Barnard Castle-based chartered surveyor Jonathan Wallis, who announced a ball he organised last year had raised £14,700 The money was handed over to Natalie Rutherford and Louise Miles, fundraisers for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
They explained fundraising was not the only way to help and hoped all who attended would raise awareness of the charity.
Guests also heard from keen cyclist Will Wearmouth, who had just returned from Europe after completing a mammoth charity ride.
Mr Wearmouth, manager of Oxfam, in Barnard Castle, said he had been introduced to
the charity through his friendship with Ms Collingwood’s family.
He said he took up the challenge of riding from London to Amsterdam raised £3,800 but hoped to nudge that figure up to £4,000.
The Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK Charity to helping young people aged 13 to 24 with specialist nursing and emotional support they need.
For more information about Teenage Cancer Trust, visit www.teenagecancertrust.org.
