Esther's having a ball to say thanks

And now Esther Parkinson, of St Annes, is organising a charity ball in aid of the Christie in Manchester – the North West’s cancer centre.

Over the last three years, she has been involved in various fundraising activities – including sponsored walks, sponsored bag packs, fun runs, and the three peaks challenge, in aid of The Christie, where she received treatment for her illness.

It was in 2013 Esther found a lump in her breast and was given the devastating news.

The 42-year-old said: “Nothing could have prepared me for the news I was about to receive.

“Following various test and biopsies, the news was confirmed – I had breast cancer.

“It is something that changed my life completely and turned my world upside down.

“I went through eight months of treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and two rounds of surgery, which ultimately resulted in me having to have a mastectomy. The scar I have is a constant reminder of what I went through, and hopefully something I will never have to go through again.

“Anyone who has been touched by cancer will know the trauma and emotions that go along side it. I can’t praise The Christie enough for all the support they gave me throughout my treatment.

“They were there every step of the way, and guided me through what was probably the toughest time of my life.

“Absolutely all the staff there are fantastic – from the nurses to wig specialists.

“They helped me lead as normal life as possible while going through treatment.

“I will be forever in their debt and for this reason I am fundraising for them to say thank you for all they have done.

“Donations will go towards an array of treatments, equipment, research, projects and clinical trials to help patients get the best treatment.

Esther said: “Each and every pound people give makes a real difference to all patients, their families and friends.”

To celebrate her first anniversary of completing treatment for breast cancer at The Christie, in 2014 Esther took part in the charity’s Walk of Hope – raising £1,155, a staggering eight times the target she had set herself.

Esther is planning a masquerade ball to take place on Saturday, October 21, at Village Hotel, Blackpool.

It will start at 6.45pm with a champagne reception, and include a three course meal.

There will be entertainment from funk soul band the Soul Convicts, and there will be a charity auction and raffle.

Guests are asked to dress to impress and there will be a prize for the best masquerade outfit.

Esther, who works for Blackpool Council, said: “I’ve always wanted to go to a masquerade ball, so I thought it would be nice to organise one myself.

“I’m in the process of organising it all at the moment.

“I’m hoping local businesses or individuals will be perhaps kind enough to donate some prizes for the auction and raffle.

“Or maybe even possible sponsorship.

“When you get that diagnosis, it’s like the bottom falls out of your world.

“But The Christie is there for people every step of the way.”

Esther can be contacted by emailing [email protected]

You can support Esther by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Esther-Parkinson6