Gainsborough: Masquerade ball helped raise more than £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support

A Gainsborough family helped raise more than £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support after they hosted a Masquerade ball.
Masquerade ball in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Photo courtesy of Adam Winfield of through-the-lens.co.uk.Masquerade ball in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Photo courtesy of Adam Winfield of through-the-lens.co.uk.
Masquerade ball in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Photo courtesy of Adam Winfield of through-the-lens.co.uk.

Fiona Eaglen, who lives in the Lea road area of Gainsborough, organised the event along with her daughters Lizzie Jordan and Sara Atkinson and Fiona’s husband Rob held a charity auction.

Fiona’s mother, Patricia Cunningham, mother of two, grandmother of five and great grandmother of one, had been diagnosed and battled MS for over 20 years.

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In 1999 she suffered a major heart attack, which confined her to a wheelchair, but she still battled on and even when sadly widowed in 2009 she insisted on living independently in her own home, with care from an amazing team of home carers.

In 2013 her health started to decline further and heart failure became a major problem, so much so that in early 2014 a continuous care plan was put into place in order that she could remain in her own home for her final months of life, as was always her ultimate wish.

Fiona said: “All the family were involved, but the Macmillan team were there for night sits several times a week, every week, until mum passed away in May 2014.”

“Like many other people I had always just associated Macmillan with care for cancer patients, but as our extended families experiences show, they are there for support in many other cases of serious illness.”

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It was Fiona’s daughters who suggested hosting a fundraiser.

Fiona said: “It went really well.”

“Everyone said it was a really enjoyable night and we raised a fantastic amount of money for Macmillan which surpassed everyone’s expectations.”

“Everything came together on the night.”

“The final total which includes money from the Just Giving page is £4,150. We were hoping to raise £2,000 so to have doubled that is fantastic.”

The night was so successful plans are are already in motion to host it again next year,

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Fiona added: “We had various ways for people to donate including a silent auction and a retro sweet stall which they could choose to participate in.”

“A lady said to me that her and her husband had stopped going to charity balls because they felt pressured to make a donation but she said at this one they felt it was all their choice if they wanted to donate. She said they weren’t made to feel they had to.”

“We had a more laid back approach which seemed to work on the night.”

“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported it either by donating or helping with the organisation.”

“And thank you to Gainsborough Golf Club for the excellent catering and organising help.”