Fundraiser ball for young mum with aggressive form of cancer

Sunday 24 September 2017

Friends of a 34-year-old woman who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and told she only had two years to live are organising a fundraiser ball on 30 September to help cover the cost of alternative treatments.

The event will take place at the Grand Hotel where Laura Cafferty worked for five years as a spa manager.

Originally from Kilmovee in Ireland, Laura moved to Jersey five years ago with her husband Karl. They had a daughter, Maya, in October 2016 after getting married in May 2015. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2010 but after feeling pain in her leg, Laura was told in March this year she had a cancerous tumour. She was later diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, an aggressive form of tissue cancer which is affecting her bones. Laura received intensive chemotherapy treatment in Southampton but was told in early July it hadn't worked. Doctors told Laura the tumour in her leg had grown and that the cancer had spread to her pelvis and back. They also told the young mum she only had two years to live "if she is lucky."

Since the diagnosis, Laura's friends and family have been moving heaven and earth to raise funds to pay for alternative therapies. They set up a fundraising page which has raised over £65,550 and organised a series of events in Ireland as well as in Jersey. Earlier this month, a quiz night in Jersey raised £1,900. Laura's friends have now organised a Fundraiser Ball at the Grand Hotel on 30 September.

The glamorous event with a "dress to impress" dress code, will start at 19:00 and will include a red-carpet arrival, a three-course menu and wine. Solo singer Jessica Chays and a DJ will be on hand to provide entertainment. Guests will be able to take part in an auction and a mega raffle with prizes including a £1,000 stay in a five-star hotel in Newcastle, overnight stays at Longueville Manor as well as spa treatments at the Grand Hotel. Tickets for the event are £60 and half of them have already been sold.

Pictured: Laura with her daughter Maya, who has just started walking.

Maggie Meiklejohn, who met Laura when they both worked at the Grand, explained that the hotel approached her to sponsor the event and will be offering a glass of 'bubbly' on arrival. She said: "They are not charging us for the meal so that all the money can go to fund Laura's treatments. She has been able to pay for further tests thanks to some of the money we have already raised. Those tests will help her decide what will be the best treatment. She is trying to keep a positive outlook and keep going. There are good days and bad days. She knows she has so many people behind her." 

To book a ticket for the Fundraiser Ball, email laurasfightjersey@gmail.com