Terminally-ill Tolladine woman's big beach dream

Hundreds of people of all ages turned out at the Tolly Hub in Rowan Avenue, Tolladine, Worcester on Saturday to make Debbie Lacey's dream come true.

MORE STORIES

Man dies after falling from Crowngate car park

Wyld's Lane is hotspot for clamped cars 

With fun, games and food on offer, it was an opportunity for the community to enjoy themselves but also show their love for Mrs Lacey, helping her as best they can through a very tough time.

LOVED: L-R Jane Waring (Debbie's dearest friend), Becky Hartshorne (Debbie's niece), Debbie Lacey and Helen Lacey (Debbie's daughter). Photo: James Connell

The 58-year-old, who is battling cervical cancer, said she thought of all the people around her as her family - and everyone who was asked said they felt the same way.

She has had to put her planned holidays on hold for the time being because of her need to undergo radiotherapy in Coventry.

MORE STORIES

Weddings cancelled at Diglis Hotel for 2023

Powick motorbike crash - why was careless driver not banned?

The mum looked on as large crowds gathered from noon, enjoying a tombola, three bouncy castles, beat the goalie competition, three raffles, a flying competition with gliders, hair braiding, hot dogs and scratch cards.

The fundraiser was organised by Trudy Gormley, Nikki Burfitt, Kelly Windiate and Lisa Craven with the aim of raising money for Mrs Lacey's dream of being able to visit the beach with her family, put out of reach by rising energy bills and the soaring cost of living.

POPULAR: A measure of how popular Debbie Lacey is was the large crowds that came along to support her. Hundreds joined in the fun

Following her diagnosis friends stepped in and rallied behind her to help make sure that her dream became a reality during the cost of living crisis now hitting the country.

Before her radiotherapy treatment, Mrs Lacey said she dreamt of feeling the sand between her toes while she enjoys ice cream. Now, thanks to the kindness of a community, it is within her grasp.

Mrs Lacey said: "It's lovely. I didn't expect so many people here but it's a close community and we all look out for each other. I have lived here all my life. It was where I was brought up.

"They love me around here. I'm blown away by how many people have come."

She wished to personally thank all those who had organised the event and everyone else for coming along.

Hot pork rolls and halal burgers proved popular and were selling fast.

Those with a sweeter tooth tucked into freshly made candy floss and homemade cakes.

Caravan company JSS caravan gifted Mrs Lacey a short weekend to Brean at a beach of her choice, and Mrs Lacey has chosen a short weekend away due to her health.

A member of the public, who wished to remain anonymous, also gave Mrs Lacey a holiday in Taunton at their holiday home. 

However, this particular fundraiser will provide spending money for Mrs Lacey so she can enjoy the holidays even more.

Trudy Gormley of Rose Avenue, one of the organisers, said she believed a few hundred people had attended and they had raised £2,203.

Mrs Gormley said: "I expected it to be this busy. We knew it. We're a community and we look out for each other. There's nobody here I don't know by name. We all grew up together. I have lived here all my life - born and bred - and I will remain here until I die.

"I would like to thank the community and all the people who have helped us today. I think it has all been a bit overwhelming."

Helen Lacey, Debbie's daughter, said: "We're grateful for the turnout. It's a great opportunity for the community to come together."