CHEEKY Solihull women – including a cancer patient – bravely bared all and raised £8,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The Full Monty event was organised by Andrea Rathbone after her sister Kay Tasker was diagnosed with breast cancer in December.
Since her diagnosis Kay has received financial support and advice from Macmillan Cancer Support and has also been supported by the Macmillan Information and Support Centre.
Their support inspired Andrea to organise the Full Monty event like the ITV show that featured stars like Coleen Nolen and Victoria Derbyshire, to raise money for the cancer charity.
The funds raised at the event will go towards the charity’s Macbrum campaign that aims to raise money for Macmillan services in Birmingham and the Black Country. The charity hopes to raise £250,000.
Andrea said: “There is a long history of cancer in my family.
“Each diagnosis bringing much fear, panic and tears.
“With each battle there is one constant, the Macmillan nurse and all the support that brings. Macmillan’s support is not just there for the person with the cancer diagnosis, they are there for the family and friends who struggle with how to deal with the news and how to deal with a mixture of feelings.
“This is important because it’s vital that everyone can get to the place where they are still having a life and making memories.”
This is Andrea’s third fundraiser for Macmillan and earlier this year, she shaved her hair off in aid of the charity’s Brave the Shave fundraising campaign.
Andrea added: ‘The most recent diagnosis of my sister’s cancer returning was particularly difficult to accept.
“I was looking for something else to do and after watching the Ladies Full Monty on TV I was overwhelmed at how beautiful it was.
“It was such an inspiring and empowering event for the ladies that took part I just thought how nice it would be to empower others to be proud of their bodies and raise money at the same time.
“I have been totally overwhelmed by the support and love from others whilst organising the event.
“People have been so generous with their time and skills to make this event happen.
“I am hoping that we raise enough to fund a Macmillan nurse for a month because I know how many families that this will help.”
The charity say that £28 could pay for a Macmillan nurse for one hour, helping people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support.
Sara Johnson, regional fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Andrea’s continuous efforts and commitment to raise money for Macmillan is truly inspiring.
“We receive no government funding so really appreciate every minute Andrea puts into organising, hosting and taking part in the events she has been involved in over the last year or so.
“The money she has raised will help us to continue to be there for people living with cancer from the moment they are diagnosed and for that, we are very grateful.”
For more or to get involved in the Macbrum campaign, contact Sara Johnson by emailing [email protected] or calling 07458059797.
