Charity night in honour of Lesley's brave breast cancer battle
Singers and musicians from across North East Ambulance Service are coming together for a charity evening in November in honour of their colleague’s breast cancer battle.
Just six months into married life, 35-year-old Lesley Atkinson, of Washington, found a lump while in the shower.
Within two weeks she was diagnosed with invasive ductal breast cancer, resulting in chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.
Lesley’s colleagues in the Contact Centre at North East Ambulance Service, where she has worked for the last eight years, have already raised more than £600 for Lesley through a whip round immediately after her diagnosis.
Now, to celebrate her coming to the end of her treatment, they have joined up with colleagues throughout the rest of the ambulance service to organise a charity evening in her honour.
“Having cancer gives you a totally different outlook on life,” said Lesley. “Yes it’s been tough and very tiring, with a lot of uncertainty, not knowing whether I’ve got a future, but it hasn’t been all bad. I’ve made the most of my good days and have tried to keep upbeat and positive. You can still have a life during cancer.
“I’m quite humbled and taken aback about how big the evening has turned out to be. You don’t realise until something bad happens to you how well thought of you are and how kind people can be, even in times when people are totally skint they want to give you money. It’s amazing what they’re doing and I can’t thank them all enough.”
The night will take place at Rainton Meadows Arena in Houghton le Spring on Saturday, 7 November.
Bands and artists from across the ambulance service will be playing, with the night also offering dancers, comedy, a raffle, hot food and licensed bar.
Money raised from the event will go towards a holiday for Lesley and her husband to aid her recuperation.
It will also raise money for three charities: Walking with the Wounded, Breast Cancer Now and The Ambulance Services Charity.
Tickets cost £10 and can be purchased on the door.
A justgiving page has also been set up at https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Lesleys-Story for anyone unable to attend who would like to make a donation.
ENDS