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South Leeds: The Belle Isle family who raised themselves from grief
WHITE STUFF: South Leeds Johnsons Family Fund Raisers, from left, Amy Hardy, Claire Brownsword, Leanne Ball and Joanne Ball.
A family of fundraisers in south Leeds have launched their own charitable group following the deaths of two relatives.
Joanne Ball started to raise money for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) after losing her father, Barry Johnson, and aunt, Anne Caley, to cancer in 2009.
In the last two years she has enlisted other family members to take part in money-spinning events.
After raising about £14,000, they have now set up their own official group – the Johnson Family Fundraisers – to take their charity efforts to new heights.
Joanne, 46, of Nestfield Road, said: “Everyone’s really supportive. We can get up to 100 people coming to events.”
The mum-of-two decided to get involved with CRUK after her dad and aunt died within eight months of one another.
Mr Johnson died from lung cancer five days before his 69th birthday. Mrs Caley, who was 62, lost her life to lymphoma.
“We also lost my grandmother – so within the space of a few months an entire generation of the family was wiped out. It did hit us quite hard,” she said.
Since then, she has organised charity club nights, raffles, tombolas and a sponsored bike ride from Leeds to Bridlington. Joanne’s brother, Andrew Johnson, walked the Three Peaks last year.
Nicki Embleton, of CRUK in Leeds, said: “Cancer Research UK is very grateful for the fantastic fundraising that Joanne and the Johnson family are doing following the devastating loss of family members to cancer.
“Their impressive dedication and determination will go towards our vital research and will help more people beat cancer.”
Joanne’s daughter, Leanne, niece, Claire Brownsword, and neighbour, Amy Hardy, have organised a ladies’ pamper night at Middleton Conservative Club, on the Ring Road in Middleton, on February 25.
There will be head and shoulder massages, eyebrow and lip waxing, spray tanning and manicures. Tickets are £5, including a glass of wine and a goody bag. The event, sponsored by South Leeds and Hunslet Cars, is at 7pm. For more information call Joanne on 07769946605.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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