A leukaemia survivor who was given just one week to live is holding a charity night to raise funds for a charity which helps people with the illness.
Karin Manchester from Wingate has arranged the event at the Top House in the village on Friday, July 18 in aid of Blood Cancer Research.
The charity night will include a karaoke, a tombola and an auction, which includes a signed Middlesbrough FC shirt and tickets for a Hartlepool United match.
Two young lads, Percy and Harrison, will also be shaving their heads.
The event has been organised by mam of three and grandmother of four, Karin, who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) in 2004, and her friend Audrey McKindland.
The 65-year-old was told she had just a week to live, however, thanks to successful treatment which included taking part in a clinical trial, she has now been cancer-free for over 20 years.
Karin said: “When I was diagnosed with leukaemia and given just a week to live, I obviously prepared for the worst.
“I was so sure I wouldn’t survive, but amazingly the treatment was successful. I spent six months in North Tees Hospital during which time I felt like all I saw was a concrete wall.
“So while I was still going through chemotherapy treatment I decided to raise money to build a garden at the haematology unit, which is where I was treated. I managed to raise £49,000 which was just incredible.
“This event will be much smaller, but still a great way to raise much needed funds for Blood Cancer Research which saved my life.
“I really want to thank Audrey for her help, she’s been like my shadow giving me support and helping me sell football cards and raffle tickets. It’s means so much to me.”
Karin is hoping that people will give their full support to the ‘Never Give Up’ charity night and donate prizes for the raffle and gifts for the auction.
To get involved email Karin, karinmanchester@icloud.com.
