FRIENDS and family of a young mother with terminal cervical cancer are on a mission to make all of her dreams come true.
Jade Pateman, who is 21-years-old, received the devastating diagnosis in May and within a week launched a campaign to lower the screening age from 25 to 20 in the hope of saving other women.
The mother-of-one’s positive attitude and devotion to her two-year-old son, Oscar, have been described as inspirational and no-one has been more moved than her own friends and family.
As well as launching a fundraising group, Jade and Oscar’s Angels, to raise money for Oscar’s future, they have encouraged Miss Pateman, from Shildon, County Durham, to create a wish list of adventures.
INSPIRING: Jade Pateman with her son Oscar. Picture: Stuart Boulton
Many of these dreams have already come true, with Darlington-based driving instructor Steve Wilson providing free lessons, Weardale Railway providing first class tickets on the Polar Express and Middridge Meadows Livery Yard inviting Miss Pateman for a day’s horse riding.
A family fun day has also being organised by family and friends, including her mother, Yvonne Claude; aunts Jess Pateman and Helen Patrick-Pateman; great aunt Eileen Pateman; five siblings; and her many friends, including Tammy Allinson and her children Callum and Abby Nicholson.
The event takes place at Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre on Burn Lane on Saturday, August 22 from noon to 5pm.
Highlights will include a bouncy castle, balloon modelling, cake stall, tombola, raffle, face painting and much more.
The venue was provided for free and many businesses and individuals have donated prizes for the raffle and an auction later in the year.
Miss Pateman said: “It’s nice there are people out there who are so generous. It’s overwhelming.
“I’ve been stopped a lot in the street since sharing my story. It’s good to know the message is getting out there.”
Family friend Miss Allinson said: “We really had to persuade Jade to do the wish list. She doesn’t like a fuss and still insists on paying for some of the experiences herself.”
Aunt Jess Pateman added: “Jade hasn’t asked for these things. We wanted to do this for her because she is amazing.”
An open mic night for Jade and Oscar’s Angels will take place at the Forum Music Centre in Darlington on Friday, August 21 from 7pm. There is a suggested minimum donation of £3 to perform or watch.
To book a slot, contact 01325-363135.
To sign the petition, visit change.org/p/cervical-cancer-lower-the-age-of-screening-from-25-to-20
Donations for Oscar can also be made online at crowdfunding.justgiving.com/jadeandoscars-angels-charity
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