Charity ball organised by West Yorkshire cancer survivor is spreading positivity

A third charity ball organised by a woman who underwent radical surgery for cervical cancer takes place on Sunday.

Victoria Eames was left unable to carry a child after the treatment in 2015, but is hoping her dream of having a baby will come true with the help of a surrogate.

Her best friend Jenah Colledge has pledged to give the ultimate gift and act as her surrogate, although complications have meant Victoria and her fiance James Lobley have been unable to start fertility treatment yet.

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Now Victoria, who runs Leeds-based entertainment company Pastiche Europe, is preparing for the latest Kind Hearts Give Back Ball.

The dancer from Castleford started the event in 2015 to support cancer charities after she was diagnosed with cervical cancer following a routine smear test in October 2014.

She needed a hysterectomy to prevent the disease spreading, but she and James still want to have a family.

The IVF treatment which will see Jenah act as surrogate has not been able to start as complications mean Victoria’s eggs cannot yet be extracted.

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But the 35-year-old is determined to stay positive: “Having cancer changes everything, but it doesn’t mean you don’t get your happy ending.

“I am trying to be positive and send that message to people.”

This year’s ball, which takes place on Sunday at New Dock Hall in Leeds, will raise money for the Yorkshire Cancer Centre in Leeds – where Victoria was treated – Cancer Research UK, and The Teenage Cancer Trust.

Last year’s event raised almost £17,000 and it is hoped this year’s will top that.

Around 400 guests will enjoy a meal, entertainment and a raffle with top prizes including a holiday to Greece.