Nearly £2,000 raised in memory of a much-loved daughter and friend will help support cancer patients in Kent.
The money was donated to the Cathedral Day Unit at Kent and Canterbury Hospital, where Emily Cole received treatment before she died in 2022, aged 33.
Her mum, Claire Thomson, led the fundraiser at The Market Inn in Faversham, where she is a member of the social club.
Emily was first diagnosed with a tumour aged just three, and underwent treatment at hospitals including Great Ormond Street. Her family chose to support the Kent and Canterbury to thank staff for their compassion and care.
Claire said: “Myself, Emily’s dad, Derek, and our youngest daughter, Shannon, supported Emily every step of the way. The care she received was outstanding – the teams are just amazing.
“Emily will always be a part of our lives and we speak about her daily. Life does not get easier, we just learn to deal with it.”
Funds were raised through a Christmas hamper raffle, with customers, social club members, landlords and Claire’s family all contributing.
Shepherd Neame’s head of professional property services, John Barnes, attended the cheque presentation and said: “This is an amazing testimony to the power of community, and the power of pubs to bring people together to raise money for such a great cause.”
The donation will fund projects benefiting patients undergoing cancer treatment at the unit. Previous donations have been used for items such as specialist cooling caps used during chemotherapy to reduce hair loss.
Dee Neligan, from East Kent Hospitals Charity, added: “Emily’s story is humbling, and we are so grateful for this wonderful fundraising. It will enable us to make a real difference to the experience of patients at the Cathedral Day Unit.”
Claire has previously raised funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, Kent Autistic Trust, and St Nicholas School, which supports children with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
