Tracy’s cancer journey inspires £2,850 fundraising boost for West Suffolk Hospital

A quiz night fundraiser has raised an incredible £2,150 for the Macmillan Unit at West Suffolk Hospital, thanks to the efforts of Haverhill resident Kate Marsh, who organised the event to support her close friend Tracy, who also lives in Haverhill and is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Tracy, who was diagnosed last July with breast cancer that had already spread to her liver, has completed 12 weeks of chemotherapy and is now on ongoing targeted therapy. She attends regular three-monthly scans to monitor her condition. Married to John and mum to two boys, Tracy continues to face her diagnosis with courage and positivity.

The quiz night, held at the Ex-Servicemen’s Club in Haverhill, was packed with teams eager to take part, and included a hugely successful raffle with around 50 prizes generously donated by local supporters.

The final donation also included £700 from the Co-op’s People Team, where Tracy works. Her colleagues held a special event on her first day back at work, raising funds to show their support.

Tracy said: “I want to say thank you to Kate, my friends, family and work colleagues for raising such an amazing amount of money.

“This allows us to say thank you to the Macmillan Unit, not only for the care I receive from the brilliant team there, but for everything I have already benefited, and continue to benefit, from – like complimentary therapies and Mama B’s which has been such a great support, just being able to spend time with people that get it has helped so much.”

Long-time quiz organiser and fundraiser Kate Marsh was determined to do something to help her friend: “I’m always happy to help, especially with something so close to my heart and supporting my beautiful friend Tracy and her family.

“When I saw Tracy coming out of the hospital, I knew it wasn’t good news. I thought – if I can raise money to help with her treatment, then that’s what I need to do.

“Tracy has benefitted from My WiSH Charity’s support in lots of ways, and she’s not one to join groups, but she has – and it’s been so positive. I’m super proud of her and how she’s dealing with this.

“If I can make someone’s day a little better by raising money, then I’ve achieved something.”

Kate has supported cancer-related causes through quiz nights for years, using her love of fundraising to make a difference in the lives of others after losing friends to the disease.

Sally Daniels, fundraising manager at My WiSH Charity, added: “I first met Tracy at Mama B’s, a cancer wellbeing group we help host with Steve Trowles and the team at the Stephen John Salon in Moreton Hall.

“Tracy told me that Kate wanted to hold a quiz night to raise money to say thank you – and she certainly did! What a fantastic total to help us continue enhancing the care of patients at West Suffolk Hospital.”

All funds raised will support My WiSH Charity’s work in the Macmillan Unit, helping to provide compassionate care, wellbeing groups, and complementary therapies for those living with cancer.