Help change lives with a cuppa!

A local mum and cancer survivor has supported Cancer Research UK's Coffee Morning campaign by putting the kettle on and inviting friends over for a cuppa and urges others to do the same.
Paula Taylor, Amanda Charlesworth, Sarah Luff and Ann Sandeman SUS-170329-111621001Paula Taylor, Amanda Charlesworth, Sarah Luff and Ann Sandeman SUS-170329-111621001
Paula Taylor, Amanda Charlesworth, Sarah Luff and Ann Sandeman SUS-170329-111621001

Hastings resident Ann Sandeman was joined by friends Paula Taylor, Amanda Charlesworth and Sarah Luff who are committed to helping the cause that’s so close to her heart. Thanks to research, courage and grim determination Ann is celebrating being a cancer survivor ten years after being diagnosed.

Ann, 46 was first diagnosed with breast cancer ten years ago when she was pregnant. She was doing well after giving birth to a healthy baby, having decided to go ahead with chemotherapy treatment during her pregnancy, but the disease subsequently returned with a vengeance.

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In 2010 she faced a further devastating blow when the cancer returned again, this time in her chest cavity and she faced even more gruelling treatment to reduce an inoperable tumour that had wrapped around her heart.

Ann Sandeman SUS-170329-111637001Ann Sandeman SUS-170329-111637001
Ann Sandeman SUS-170329-111637001

The single mum of three - Hannah, aged 13, Emma, ten, and Ben, nine - has now undergone eight courses of chemotherapy, four courses of radiotherapy and numerous major operations.

Ann’s cancer is incurable but treatable and on-going and new treatments have held the disease at bay. Despite being in almost daily pain and facing an uncertain future, Ann still has an inspirational positive outlook on life. She said: “It’s my children who keep me going. I’m delighted to help launch Cancer Research UK’s Coffee Morning campaign.

“It’s a simple, easy and fun way to raise money for research to help more people, like me, survive cancer.

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“I’m urging everyone to take part – at home, work or school – to help make a difference.”

Ann Sandeman SUS-170329-111637001Ann Sandeman SUS-170329-111637001
Ann Sandeman SUS-170329-111637001

Lynn Daly, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for East Sussex, says signing up and hosting a coffee morning is a piece of cake. “We all love a good brew and taking time out for elevenses is a great way to catch up with friends and colleagues,” she said.

“I hope people have got a thirst for hosting a coffee morning and help raise money with donations in exchange for a cuppa, snack and chat.

“Every donation will help save lives by funding research that’s accelerating the charity’s progress in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.”

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To support Cancer Research UK’s Coffee Morning campaign to help fund life-saving research sign up for a free fundraising pack and host a coffee morning any time until the end of May.

The pack contains everything needed to plan a perfect event, including posters, balloons, recipe suggestions and fundraising ideas. For more information visit: www.cruk.org/coffeemorning