Fundraiser for brave High Peak mum battling cancer tops £11k

More than £11,000 has been raised for a High Peak mum who needs pioneering cancer treatment.
A fundraiser has been set up for Chapel mum, Gemma Ellis,  who has raised £17,000 for cancer charities while undergoing treatment for breast cancer but now needs to raise £16,500 to cover the cost of new treatementA fundraiser has been set up for Chapel mum, Gemma Ellis,  who has raised £17,000 for cancer charities while undergoing treatment for breast cancer but now needs to raise £16,500 to cover the cost of new treatement
A fundraiser has been set up for Chapel mum, Gemma Ellis, who has raised £17,000 for cancer charities while undergoing treatment for breast cancer but now needs to raise £16,500 to cover the cost of new treatement

Courageous Gemma Ellis has been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in her spine and needs to raise £16,5000 to pay for stereotactic radiosurgery treatment – not yet available on the NHS.

Her friends and the community have rallied round and set up an online fundraising page: Stand By Gemma, to help cover some of the costs of the treatment which now stands at more than £11,000 combining both online and off-line donations.

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Gemma, 35, of South Head Drive, Chapel-en-le-Frith, said: “I cannot believe it. I am utterly overwhelmed.

“I have had cheques and cash turn up in the post from people I don’t even know and people keep putting on raffles and events all for me, I’m not used to this, it feels really strange but I can’t say thank you enough to each and every person who has donated.”

Having not been cancer or treatment-free for six months prior to the second diagnosis, Gemma is unable to be included for free radiotherapy at the Christie Hospital and needs to raise the funds herself for treatment at a private clinic in London.

The mum-of-two said: “Now I’ve got my medical notes and with such a large amount of money behind me I can take the next steps and start to get the ball rolling for my treatment.

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“I never asked for this fundraiser as I hate asking for myself and would rather raise money for others, but now it is happening my goal is to reach the target for my treatment. It seems so wrong to ask others to help cover the cost of my travel and accommodation.

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“But affording the treatment will hopefully stop this horrible disease in its tracks and give me more precious time with my girls and my husband Ben is everything I want from this.”

Gemma was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2017 and throughout her treatment became focused on raising money to help others and donated £17,000 to various charities.

She has also vowed to create a blog or vlog documenting her treatment journey to highlight how people’s generous donations have helped to make a difference to her life.

To make a donation, visit gofundme.com/StandByGemma.