Bucket list cancer charity's fundraiser in Leeds pub manager's memory

Ovarian cancer charity Lemonade is hosting a fundraising spring ball at a Leeds hotel next month as it bids to to help terminally ill patients aged under 50 fulfil their bucket list wishes and raise awareness of the disease.

A crowdfunding bucket list appeal was launched by Vicki Aldwin's friends and family in August 2018 after her terminal ovarian cancer diagnosis.

It raised more than £12,000 and Vicki, of Oakwood, was able to fulfil bucket list wishes including learning taxidermy, visiting Berlin and going on a trip to Disneyland Paris.

After Vicki’s death in St Gemma’s Hospice on January 21, her best friend Katy Winship pledged to help set up a charity in her memory.

Katy, of Woodlesford, co-founded the Lemonade charity late last year.

The first Lemonade Spring Ball will be held at the Mercure Parkway Hotel, Otley Road, Leeds, on Saturday March 7.

Katy said: “We are so excited to be hosting our first ever spring ball in memory of our beloved friend Vicki, who would have been thrilled about an event to raise more funds to help those in need to achieve their bucket list.

"We also plan to use the funds from ticket sales to help continue our quest to educate women in the Yorkshire region and beyond on the symptoms of ovarian cancer.”

Katy and Charlotte Henly, who is also involved with the Lemonade charity, took part in a discussion on grief for Radio One podcast Life Hacks last December.

Vicki was diagnosed with small cell carcinoma of the ovary in October, 2017.

She was in remission until August 2018, when doctors at St James’s Hospital said the cancer had returned and her condition was terminal.

Cash raised after Vicki’s death was donated to St Gemma’s Hospice, where she spent her final days.

Hundreds of people attended Vicki’s funeral at Lawnswood Cemetery before a wake was held at The Mustard Pot pub, in Chapel Allerton, where Vicki worked as assistant manager.

Tickets for the spring ball are priced at £35 and include a three-course meal.

For tickets, go to www.tickettailor.com/events/lemonade1For more information and for details of ovarian cancer symptoms, go to to www.we-are-lemonade.co.uk/Follow Lemonade on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lemonadecharity/