A UNIVERSITY of Worcester student is doing her bit for a charity close to her heart by organising a fund-raising ball.
Emma Yarsley, in the first year of a nursing course, hopes to raise £3,000 for Cancer Research UK by staging the event in her home town of Kidderminster in January.
After losing three loved ones to the disease in as many months, and supporting her mother through her cancer battle, Emma resolved to support the organisation which funds scientists, nurses and doctors to conduct the research needed to beat cancer sooner.
“Three years ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading or returning,” she said.
“However, about six months later, she had a CT scan after bumping her head in a fall, and they found a secondary cancer on her skull.
“From that day on I vowed to do something to raise money for Cancer Research UK. After losing three people close to me in as many months to this vile disease, and my mother discovering a further tumour on her spine, I felt that I had to do something to raise money and not sit back and let cancer keep destroying lives.”
As well as deeply affecting her personal life, her family’s health battles have also inspired Emma in terms of her choice of career.
“I believe that nursing is something that is naturally built into certain people, but personal circumstances can further develop qualities needed to be a nurse,” she added.
“After seeing my nan struggle with various heart conditions, I decided I wanted to help people battling illnesses be as independent as possible in their own homes. Then, the fact that I have been with my mom for every step of her journey means I have experienced first-hand what it is like to be on the receiving end of nursing care.
“This has enhanced my desire to deliver the best care possible to my patients and has made me more aware of many areas which are so important in this respect, such as the keeping patient and family informed, individuality, dignity and respect.”
Along with a friend whose life has also been touched by cancer, Emma will be staging the fund-raising ball on Saturday, January 31 at Kidderminster’s Gainsborough Hotel.
People who come along are asked to wear blue or pink – Cancer Research UK’s signature colours, while entertainment will be providing by a DJ and a live band. For more information contact [email protected].
Emma also has a Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/emma-yarsley/ where people can donate directly to the charity.
