Sidmouth Pink Ladies Day raises �4k for cancer charities
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.
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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.
