A Kendal mum and grandma, who eight years ago used a church fair to raise funds for Rosemere Cancer Foundation to “give something back” following successful treatment for breast cancer, has been named as the charity’s South Cumbria and North Lancs Volunteer of the Year for 2020.
Following that day back in 2012, Sue Kershaw has gone on to help Rosemere Cancer Foundation with local supermarket collections and other numerous profile and fundraising events, including the charity’s own annual Kendal Santa Stroll and its participation in Kendal Torchlight Procession.
Local fundraising co-ordinator Julie Hesmondhalgh said: “Sue, often accompanied by her husband Peter, has turned out in the wind and rain, the cold and dark to help us, always with a smile on her face”.
“On one occasion, she even helped out at an evening event having only just returned from holiday earlier that day. Sue also regularly provides us with raffle and tombola prizes gathered from family and friends. She is incredibly supportive not just of Rosemere but of me personally. I am extremely grateful to her for the wonderful help she has given over many years.”
Sue, a medical receptionist who retired two years ago from Windermere Health Centre, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. She underwent four weeks of radiotherapy treatment at Rosemere Cancer Centre, the region’s specialist cancer treatment centre at the Royal Preston Hospital.
Sue said: “Following my treatment, I wanted to give something back. My church, St Martin’s in Bowness, holds a Martinmas fair every November so I took a stall to raise funds not only for Rosemere Cancer Foundation but also Macmillan as it too had supported me during my treatment.
“At that time, I got to know the fundraising co-ordinator at Rosemere Cancer Foundation and began volunteering more. I really enjoy volunteering for Rosemere and have made many new friends.”
Sue and Peter have two adult children plus a three-year-old grandson and one-year-old granddaughter.
Rosemere Cancer Foundation works to bring world class cancer treatments and services to cancer patients from throughout South Cumbria and Lancashire being treated not only at Rosemere Cancer Centre but also at another eight local hospital cancer units across the two counties, including those at Westmorland General Hospital and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.
The charity funds cutting edge equipment, research, training and other cancer services and therapies that the NHS is unable to afford. For further information on its work, including how to volunteer, visit www.rosemere.org.uk.
