Fundraising mum Naomi, who suffers from incurable cancer, delighted with first event

HUNDREDS of people who attended a Pink Ladies Day in Sidmouth helped a young mum with incurable cancer raise around �4,000 for a trio of charities.

Naomi Thomas, 29, described her first fundraiser - in her home-town - on Sunday, as “incredible”.

Around 400 people flocked to Kennaway House to enjoy countless attractions like massages, reflexology, pink cocktails and spray tans.

“After this event I am extremely proud to say I am from Sidmouth,” Naomi told the Herald.

“We never thought in our wildest dreams that it would be as big as it was.”

Money raised from the day will go to CoppaFeel, Willow Foundation and FORCE.

Judi Spiers opened the event and Mary King drew every single ticket from a bumper raffle. A whopping 150 prizes had been donated. Sidmouth Gospel Choir performed throughout the day.

Naomi, who made an emotional speech, said: “Sidmouth’s businesses and people have done us proud. Thank you all so much for everything.”

The mum-of-one made an unexpected new friend in events planner Sam Williams, of Bennetts Hill, who volunteered her services and played a pivotal part in plans for the ladies day.

Sam said: “I was overwhelmed by how the community came together. It was everything we’d dreamt of and lots more – fantastic.”

Naomi and Sam hope that, with 400 satisfied customers, the event will return bigger and better next year.

Their next project is a masquerade ball in the autumn.

Naomi, who was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer just days after the birth of her son Devon, wanted to raise cash for causes that have aided her.

She does not know if she has six months or ten years to live, but wants to set up a charitable trust to help others.

Naomi, whose family home is in Manstone Avenue, hopes her story will also raise awareness of how cancer can affect young people.

She wanted to share a poem, handed to her by volunteer for the day Sylvia Brownlee, with Herald readers.

“The words are how my cancer has made me see the world,” said Naomi.

The Secret Of Life Is Enjoying The Passing Of Time

Cherish family

Grow a garden

Love nature

Sing and dance

Know love

Live life to the fullest

Celebrate tradition

Go out for adventure and come home for love

Follow your heart

Life is a dream

Sit and think

Eat good food

Believe in you

Accept change

Be thank for the earths bounty

Smell the flowers

Be a friend

Think big

Set goals

Play games

Give

Be creative

Make the time sweet

Kiss and hug

Watch sunsets.