A FAMILY took part in an emotional day of fundraising for the East Lancashire Hospice after a mum and daughter were both diagnosed with cancer.

Dressed in school uniforms Donna Jamieson, and five family members and friends, completed a sponsored 30-mile trek from Blackpool Tower to Blackburn.

Proceeds will be donated to the Lancashire Telegraph’s Raise the Roof appeal for £125,000 to replace the dilapidated roof at the Park Lee Road venue in Blackburn.

The gang embarked on the 11-hour challenge after the family was struck with a double tragedy when Donna’s auntie, Glynis Alberts, 55, and her 39-year-old daughter Lisa Barton, were both diagnosed with cancer.

Mum-of-three Glynis, is battling breast cancer, while her daughter Lisa has terminal cancer of the spine and they have both been treated at the hospice.

Donna said: “It has been a very difficult time for the family and we want to do as much as possible to help the hospice and the staff who have all been fantastic.”

The group, which included Donna’s daughter Katie Cowell, son Chris Jamieson, and friends Katy Sharp, Nathan Taylor and Daniel Ormerod, set off down the prom around 11am.

“It was pretty hard going as it was quite hot and we kept getting lost, but it was fun and we’re glad that we did it,” said Donna.

The group returned to Feniscowles just after 10pm and were too tired to walk any further so hailed a cab home to Lansdowne Street.

Donna said: “Lisa and Glynis are very ill and we will do anything to let them know that we are here for them.”

The sponsored event raised around £1,000 towards the appeal, and the total currently stands at just over £30,000.

Future fundraising events planned by the family include a sponsored sky dive and bungee jump.

How to donate

  • By text - Send ROOF to 70700. Texts cost £5 plus network charge. East Lancashire Hospice receives at least £4.45. Obtain bill payers permission. Customer care 08448479800.

    Charity No 1075653.

  • Online - At eastlancshospice.org.uk/roof-appeal. Remember to add the word ‘roof’ in the comments section so it is clear the donation is for this appeal.
  • At a bank - Make a payment at any Yorkshire Bank, Account No 22741541, Sort Code 05-02-52. Locally there are branches in Accrington, Barnoldswick, Blackburn, Burnley, Chorley, Clitheroe, Colne, Nelson and Todmorden.
  • By post - Send a cheque to Roof Appeal, East Lancashire Hospice, Park Lee Road, Blackburn, BB2 3NY.
  • By phone - Pay by debit or credit card by ringing 01254 733410.

If surplus funds are raised they will be used for the general purposes of the charity.