A mum from County Durham whose itchy mole turned out to be skin cancer has said she is "overwhelmed" after an event she organised raised almost £6,500 for charity.
Gill Liiv-Rochester, 36, from Seaham, was diagnosed with two malignant melanomas in April 2020 after her daughter Emme, now 13, urged her mum to go to her doctors when she began itching her back. It was only thanks to her daughter that Gill realised she was actually itching a mole on her back.
Since her diagnosis, the mum of two has been raising awareness and fundraising for the charity Melanoma-Me which supports those battling skin cancer. And to help raise money for the "amazing" charity, Gill held a special fundraising event in Seaham Park Cricket Club in June.
Incredibly, the fun day raised a total of £6,477.65 which Gill described as "just incredible" and said she was "over the moon" to hand over the money last week. Gill said: "The charity will be able to do so much with the money supporting melanoma patients and their families. I am so over the moon and overwhelmed and so is the charity. It was an emotional day handing over the money last week.
"There were more than 100 raffle prizes donated from businesses which in turn alone raised £1,000 in raffle ticket sales, it's just incredible. The day was filled with people and fun and our live singer Alisha Lowerson Carr was absolutely brilliant.
"As was the Gyros delivery food van who went down a treat with people in attendance and Mick's ice cream van as the day was hot. I also want to say a huge thanks to Seaham Park Cricket Club for allowing me to host the day there, they were very accommodating."
The event was such a success that Gill plans to hold another event next year on August 5 and said her role as ambassador for the charity means she will continue to raise awareness of the "awful disease".
Gill said: "The day was such a huge success, I am holding another next year on August 5 to continue supporting the charity, as well as in my ambassador role which I take very seriously. Raising awareness of this awful disease is something I will do for the rest of my life. I know first-hand how cruel it can be and how important prevention is and the fun day has given me a great platform to continue this.
"The charity is so supportive for anyone struggling with this disease or family members. The charity will be holding other events to raise vital funds with the summer fayre upcoming on August 25 this year. They get no government funding being non-profit so any help or donations are beyond vital to keep the work they do going."
If anyone wants to find out more or needs help with their skin cancer battle, they can visit Melanoma-Me's website here.
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