Pride of the Islelaunches a mum and son appeal

Debs McNaughton was the ‘Most Inspirational’ prizewinner in January’s Pride of the Isle Awards for her bravery shown during two years of battling cancer.

The 39-year old mum of three has a terminal diagnosis despite treatments including at Manchester’s Christie Centre, for her cancer that originated in her appendix, and an earlier all-clear for her condition.

Recently Debra’s son Connor, 18, was also told he has cancer, and the family are sharing as many precious moments as they can.

To help them, the Pride of the Isle committee are funding a trip to Legoland, to take place soon for Debs’ youngest child Oliver’s fourth birthday treat. They are also launching an appeal for funds to help Connor receive any treatment he may need in the near future.

Leesa Sharpe, chair of Pride of the Isle, said: “Our reaction when we heard that Connor too is suffering from cancer were total shock and horror. This poor family.”

She added: “Debs was told just before Christmas that her aggressive cancer had returned and there was nothing else the doctors can do. We intend to help the family and if anyone else would like to help in any way possible, by donating or fundraising to help Connor through this terrible time then please get in touch with me or one of the Pride of the Isle committee members.”

She added: “We would like to give Debs peace of mind knowing that Connor has support and funding to fight this desease.”

Meanwhile, Oliver will have some special cartoon character visitors from the Isle heading to his birthday party on March 3, and he and his mum’s wish to go to Legoland will become reality soon afterwards.

Leesa added: “My heart really does go out to Debs and all her family.”

Although the McNaughton family do not live within the Isle, they became known to many through association with another recently formed charity, TeamVerrico.

TeamVerrico also supported Debs when she faced similar challenges to those suffered by the late Anna Verrico .

Pride of the Isle has a website and facebook page on which details of fundraising and recipients are posted at regular intervals.

See updates on the page at ‘Lex’s Legacy Pride of the Isle’.