Romsey resident raises more than £2,000 for PLANETS

FUNDRAISING FOR A CURE

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PLANETS has received a cheque for more than £2,000 from Romsey resident and neuroendocrine cancer patient Liz Holmes, who has raised funds at a number of events throughout the year.

The presentation took place last month (20 November) at Romsey Conservative Club, where it was presented to PLANETS chairman Neil Pearce.

PLANETS helps patients with pancreatic, liver, colorectal, abdominal (oesophageal and gastric) and neuroendocrine cancer by funding patient support groups, innovative treatments and research.

Liz, who was diagnosed in 2021, was first made aware of PLANETS by her cancer nurses at University Hospital Southampton, Emma Ramsay and Rachel Watkins.

They encouraged her to attend one of the charity’s conferences where she met Jo Green, director of operations and marketing, and Layla Stephen, director of strategy and finance, who are both also neuroendocrine cancer patients. Her interest in fundraising for the charity grew from there.

“I remember feeling so supported and well-informed at the PLANETS conference,” said Liz. “It was nice to find a community that understood what I was going through and could provide me and my family with more information. The support offered is invaluable and, after the event, I knew I wanted to help raise money for the charity.”

Liz’s fundraising journey started with a coffee morning at Romsey Conservative Club, featuring a large raffle with prizes donated by local businesses and individuals. From there her efforts grew as her brother-in-law, Pete Holmes, hosted a series of quizzes at Mottisfont Social Club, raising over £500.

Liz, along with her husband Rob, also organised bingo nights twice a month at Romsey Conservative Club where events included a raffle with all proceeds going to PLANETS, while the club itself also provided a monthly donation to support the cause.

“It’s been such a rewarding experience to organise these events and I’ve been blown away by the generosity of the local community,” said Liz.

“Every penny raised helps people like me who are living with cancer and it feels amazing to know we’re making a real difference. I hope that my efforts will inspire others to get involved and help raise awareness for this wonderful charity.”

Since its inception in 2011, PLANETS has raised more than £2 million, funding patient support groups, introducing cutting-edge treatments like intraoperative electron beam radiotherapy (IORT) and advancing cancer research.

Mr Pearce said: “We are incredibly grateful to Liz for her dedication and hard work in raising money for the charity.

“Her personal experience with cancer has driven her to help others and her fundraising efforts will make a real impact in the lives of people affected by cancer.

“It is supporters like Liz who help us continue to fund vital treatment and research and provide essential support for cancer patients across the region.”

Liz added: “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved this year and I want to thank everyone who has supported the events – whether by donating, attending or spreading the word. It’s been a true team effort.”

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