How these Derbyshire women are helping to beat cancer

Three relatives who have been affected by cancer are fundraising to help beat the disease.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Tracy Walker and her daughters-in-law Kate Bull and Courtney Birks, who all live in Holmewood, will have their heads shaved to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Tracy, 53, said: “This is a cause very close to my heart.

Best of luck, ladies.Best of luck, ladies.
Best of luck, ladies.

“My father had terminal cancer and sadly passed away within 12 weeks of his initial diagnosis.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The Macmillan nurses were with us every step of the way I can honestly say without their help and support I don’t think we would have coped.

“The Macmillan nurses aren’t just nurses, they are a lifeline for people like us.

“For a long time after his death they still kept in touch and reached out to us – they really do become an essential part of your extended family.”

Kate, 40, tragically lost both her parents to cancer, including her mum on Christmas Day in 2017.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: “My dad was my hero and fought prostate cancer for a number of years.

“He truly is the main reason behind me doing this.

“He sadly ended up losing his battle in February 2014.

“Then came the devastating news in May 2017 that my mum had been diagnosed with throat cancer.

“She ended up having her voice box removed in June 2017 and endured many side affects and a lot more bad days than good days.

“She couldn't eat, couldn't sleep and even struggled to drink – it was heartbreaking to see her suffer as much as she did.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“All the nurses and doctors at the hospital my mum was at did everything they could to make her as comfortable as possible for the short amount of time she had.

“She lost her battle on Christmas Day 2017.”

Courtney, 20, added: “I am shaving my hair to show support for Macmillan and supporting those going through cancer.

“I have known many people to pass away to cancer – its such a heartbreaking diagnosis.”

They hope to brave the shave during a special charity night at Chesterfield’s Riverside Club on September 25.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Kate and Courtney will be donating their hair to the Little Princess Trust.

Support your Derbyshire Times by becoming a digital subscriber. You will see 70 per cent fewer ads on stories, meaning faster load times and an overall enhanced user experience. Visit www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/subscriptions.