Gainsborough: Family organise a masquarade ball for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of Patricia

Fiona Eaglen, who lives in the Lea Road area of Gainsborough, has organised the event on Saturday 16th May at the Gainsbrough Golf Club along with her daughters Lizzie Jordan and Sara Atkinson.

Fiona’s husband Rob, is hoping to further the fundraising efforts by holding a charity auction.

Fiona’s mum, Patricia Cunningham, was a mother of two, grandmother of five and great grandmother of one, and had been diagnosed and battled MS for over 20 years.

In 1999 she suffered a major heart attack, which confined her to a wheelchair, but she still battled on and even when sadly widowed in 2009 she insisted on living independently in her own home, with care from an amazing team of home carers.

In 2013 her health started to decline further and heart failure became a major problem, so much so that in early 2014 a continuous care plan was put into place in order that she could remain in her own home for her final months of life, as was always her ultimate wish.

Fiona said: “All the family were involved, but the Macmillan team were there for night sits several times a week, every week, until mum passed away in May 2014.”

“Like many other people, I had always just associated Macmillan with care for cancer patients, but as our extended families experiences show, they are there for support in many other cases of serious illness.”

“My daughters decided a ball would be a good way to raise funds and the masquerade ball is our way of celebrating Pats life.”

“By raising money for Macmillan we want to say a heartfelt thank you to them for all the help and support they gave us all at a very difficult time.”

“The Ball is going to be an amazing evening of dinner and dancing, whilst also raising money for this cause which is so very close to our hearts.”

“The amazing team at Macmillan have supported our families through cancer several times in the last few years and also their ‘end of life’ team have been there for our families through very sad times.”

“We wanted to do something really special to say thank you for everything they’ve done and are doing.”

For more information about Macmillan Cancer Support and the work that is carried out or to find out how to donate or host your own fundraising event visit their website at www.macmillan.org.uk.