A CANCER patient who was burgled while having chemotherapy has handed over double the amount she originally raised to the charity which has helped her stay positive.
When Christine Humphreys-Middleton’s hair started to fall out, a side effect of the aggressive tumour treatment, she decided to organise a head shave to raise funds for the Holistic Cancer Centre in Middlesbrough.
HANDOVER: Christine Humphreys-Middleton, centre, with sons Ben Gibson and Dale Middleton. Representing the centre are, volunteer Judith Pennington, left, administrator Denise Chape and volunteer Sue Watson, right
Her three sons, Ben, 30, Dale, 24, who also has learning disabilities, Daniel, 22, who has suffered from depression since being a teenager, and son-in-law, Adam, pledged their support by becoming bald too.
About £285 was donated online but a further £150 in cash kept in her bedroom was stolen when thieves ransacked her home in July, just five days after the mother-of-four had her long blonde locks shorn off.
There was a public outcry when readers heard about Mrs Humphrey-Middleton’s tragic story and a second wave of donations started to pour in. Tonight (Wednesday) she is handing over a cheque for more than £800 with more charity events planned.
“After the burglary I was low but I realised that my life and my health is what is most precious, these are things that money can’t buy," she said.
"The response from people has been very heart-warming, neighbours have even come round with Quality Street tins filled with money.”
The bumper cheque will be presented at the ‘Positively Pink’ meeting the chiropodist regularly attends at the centre, based at the James Cook University Hospital.
As well as getting the chance to chat to other women living with breast cancer, the group also listens to interesting speakers.
“One woman there was asking about the head shave and I said we had all done it - she just looked at me," added the 53-year-old from Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough.
"I now have a long blonde wig made of real hair which looks fantastic, she couldn’t believe it. Losing your breasts is bad enough, but you know it is to help save your life, when you lose your hair a wig means you never have to have a bad hair day again.”
A fundraising night with live entertainment, tombola and bingo is being held at the Western Social Club in Union Street, Middlesbrough, is being held on Thursday, November 28. Tickets costing £1 are available from the club or by calling Mrs Humphreys-Middleton on 07808-215827.
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