Money, Money, Money - Abba-Themed Wedding Boosts Hospital Appeal
When Nicky Keller and her partner Colin Johnson decided to wed, there was only one thing on their wedding present list – donations to Southend University Hospital’s Bosom Pals Appeal.
When Nicky Keller and her partner Colin Johnson decided to wed, there was only one thing on their wedding present list – donations to Southend University Hospital’s Bosom Pals Appeal.
Last year, Nicky’s mum, Janet, was diagnosed with breast cancer after attending her local mobile unit for a routine screen. Since then, she has been through a lumpectomy, mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Southend’s breast care unit and had, in her words, “wonderful care”.
“I couldn’t fault anyone from the time I was diagnosed right through to now,” said Janet, 57. Deciding against reconstructive surgery, she was delighted at the advice on prostheses and bras and other practical help she received from the breast care nurses at Southend University Hospital.
Having lived every moment of the whole experience with her mum, Nicky, 34, did not think twice about forgoing wedding gifts of toasters, bed linen and cutlery. She said: “Colin and I had lived together for 14 years and already had a home and everything we need.” The wedding, at The Forest Pines Hotel last month (August 2009) even adopted the traditional pink of Bosom Pals – Southend University Hospital’s support group – and other breast cancer charities. The bride wore a pink sash, Janet was in a stunning cerise suit and hat and pink and silver flowers and butterflies festooned the reception.
Nicky, who runs a teacher supply agency, said: “Most of the 107 guests wore something pink. It was a lovely day with an Abba theme and plenty of surprises. “I thought we might raise £1,000 for the Bosom Pals appeal but the money just kept coming and we ended up with £2,025.” However, she’s not stopping there. On their first anniversary next August 2010, Nicky is holding a gala charity ball with surprise guests, a raffle and auction.
Meanwhile, Janet – who became an expert and trendsetting bandana stylist when she lost her hair during treatment – is training as a volunteer to work with newly-diagnosed cancer patients. Dr Anne Robinson, Janet’s consultant oncologist at Southend University Hospital, said; “Nicky and Colin’s gesture to ask for donations instead of wedding presents is just so wonderful and will give our appeal a great boost. “It will help us purchase the most up-to-date screening and diagnostic equipment to help other women like Janet, and we are so grateful to them.”
